Doncaster singer Tony Christie pays tribute to 'world class' Amarillo drummer after death
The 89-year-old played drums on 42 UK number one singles
Doncaster singer Tony Christie has played tribute to a drummer who played on his smash hit Is This The Way To Amarillo, describing him as “a world class gentleman” following his death at the age of 89.
Clem Cattini, who was a member of 60s group The Tornados before becoming a renowned session musician, died on November 2 following a fall.
Conisbrough-born crooner Christie said the musician had worked with him at the peak of his career in the 1970s and said he was responsible for the drums on the star’s best known song.
Paying tribute, he said: “So very sad to hear that the great Clem Cattini, drummer of the Tornados and prolific session drummer has passed away.
“Clem played on more number one records than any other British drummer.
“Clem played on all my early MCA 1970’s albums and all my hit singles including Is This The Way To Amarillo.
“Not only a world class musician but also a world class gentleman. Proud to have known him.
“My condolences and love to his family.”
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Born Clemente Anselmo Agusto Cattini in London to Italian parents in 1937, he became one of the most prolific drummers in British recording history, appearing on hundreds of recordings by artists as diverse as Cliff Richard and Lou Reed, including 42 UK number one singles.
Among the hits he played on were Telstar by The Tornados, Tears by Ken Dodd, Grandad by Clive Dunn and Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West) by Benny Hill.
Other hits he worked on included Whispering Grass by Windsor Davies and Don Estelle, No Charge by J.J. Barrie and Save Your love by Renee and Renato.
He also played in the orchestra for BBC’s Top of The Pops and toured with Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison - and was even on the shortlist of drummers for Led Zeppelin before they settled on John Bonham.
He was also a member of The Wombles’ recording and live band, dressing as the character Bungo on stage.
South Yorkshire singing star Christie first found fame in the early 1970s, scoring hits with songs such as I Did What I Did For Maria, Is This The Way To Amarillo and Avenues and Alleyways.
However, in 2002, he was catapulted back into the limelight after comedian Peter Kay teamed up with the singer for a re-released version of Amarillo, spending seven weeks at number one.
It led to a career revival for the singer, with more hits, albums and tours following.