Clem Cattini: British Pop’s Backbeat

TODAY is the birthday of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most legendary men… although, many won’t have ever heard of him. In 1939, in North London, the legendary Clem Cattini was born.

Cattini did shifts in his dad’s Italian restaurant before pursuing a career in music, starting things off with gigs at The 2i’s Coffee Bar, where he backed whoever turned up. He soon joined his own band called the Beat Boys, and from there, he started to get noticed.

And while a lot of people have never heard of Clem, he’s played on over 40 number one hit records and was one of the most prolific drummers in UK pop history. He’s worked with Joe Meek, Lou Reed, Cliff Richard, Hot Chocolate, Bay City Rollers, Benny Hill and loads more.

Cattini was so hot on the drumstool that he’d get called in to play the parts of bands who already had a drummer.

So with that, let us look at some of Clem’s most famous appearances. If anything, this list will show you just how versatile the great man is.

Happy birthday Clem!

Johnny Kidd and the Pirates ‘Shakin’ All Over’