DRUMMER-SESSIONMAN:

Clem Cattini was born in London in 1939,he was a War Baby.His Father being Italian was interned for the Duration on the Isle Of Man. Clem's first introduction to Music was Latin American Rythym. In particular "Edmundo Ros"....he gave him the itch to start drumming. In his teens he became an Ice Hockey player but received too many injuries, so decided to whack something himself, "DRUMS" thank god! Clem has become the most prolific recording Drummer in the UK. His style is brilliant, technically unflawed, and plays with an awesome economy. Though he can let rip if he so chooses. His Father wanted him to go into the Catering trade as he had a Restuarant,but Clem was already hanging around the Cafes of Soho,where all the budding musicians to grace our Dansettes we were trying out. Hank Marvin, Terry Dene, Wee Willie Harris, Johnny Kidd etc. Clem could of joined the burgeoning Shadows but it did not work out that way. Clems first big role was in the film "The Golden Disc" as a Drummer in Terry Denes Backing band.Clem then joined Terry's Band.Before that his first band had been with Terry Kennedy who went on to become a Producer,his big success being with the Ivy league. Where once again Clem was involved as Drummer for "Division Two", "Ivy Leagues" Backing Band. However way back in the alleys of Soho, Clem was to team up with a much more important figure "Alan Caddy" they were joined by "Brian Gregg" and they started playing around in the Cafes. One imparticular run by Chas McDevitt.In the Basement joined by Johnny Kidd they concocted "Shaking All Over" a No.1 hit, and the seminal Rock'n'Roll record from the era.Clem's Paradiddle at the start of, Joe Moretti's lead break went on the inspire many a future Drummer.It was around this time Clem  was asked by Larry Parnes to form a group to back Billy Fury on Tour along with all his other acts Dickie Pride,Vince Eager.The Band were known as The Beat Boys and consisted of Kenny Packwood on Lead Guitar,Georgie Fame Piano,Brian Gregg Bass and Clem Drums.This Band became known as The Blueflames. This was way before the Tornados.around 1958.Clem then went to Italy to back Colin Hicks as The Cabin Boys.That failed.The next chapter starts with Joe Meek and the Tornados, Whew1

Joe Meek.

Clem was now out of work and replied to an advert in some Music Mag.The rendezvous turned out to be at an address in Holloway Road 304.To Clems amazement in this ordinary looking tenement with a shop below, was another home and, a recording studio.Clem walked up the stairs, he was often to run down. If he had a row with Joe. Like everyone else Joe argued with people.... Clem was accepted by Joe. The idea being Joe wanted to put a session band together to replace the Outlaws.One Musician? had already been selected or earmarked. Heinz Burt, who had auditioned with his band the Falcons. Joe was not impressed but thought Heinz might make the pop scene. Alan Caddy was recommended as a Guitarist by Michael Cox after Joe had auditioned many.Alan was taken on Board, and these three were joined by a one George Bellamy. Who turned up with his Jumbo Gibson to impress Joe. It obviously worked.George was the fourth member and that was it.No keyboards at this stage.You must bear in mind they were hired as a session band to back acts on record. They also went out on tour as the Charles Blackwell Orchestra supplemented by Pete Newman and Pete Cotton on Saxophone's.... The first ever recording they did not even as a band called the Tornados, but session men. Was "Swinging Beefeater" as just Guitars and Drums.Joe was the toying with the idea of challenging the Shadows. The Lads biggest break came when they were chosen by "Larry Parnes" to become "Billy Fury's" backing band....However Billy wanted a keyboard player...Heinz recommended A "Norman Hale" from his group the Falcons. Norman was called up. At this juncture they did put down their first track "Love & Fury" with Norman Hale on Keyboards. On this track only, The B: side "Popeye Twist" had only the four on.The A; side was a tribute to their boss Billy.This track was a brilliant piece of Meek production with great driving drums by Clem.It bombed.The next one didn't it exploded TELSTAR The making and breaking of The Tornados.Well maybe not