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Tributes have been paid after the death of drummer Clem Cattini, who performed on several UK Number One singles.

The 89-year-old, who lived in Hertfordshire, co-founded the Tornados in 1961. Their instrumental Telstar spent five weeks at the top of the UK chart in 1962, and they became the first British group to top the US Billboard Hot 100.

As a session musician, he played on number one hits such as Tom Jones’ Green, Green Grass of Home, Dusty Springfield’s You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me and Tony Christie’s (Is This the Way to) Amarillo?.

In a Facebook post, external Christie described Cattini as “a world class musician but also a world class gentleman”.

He wrote: “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 1 records than any other British drummer.

“Proud to have known him. My condolences and love to his family.”

Carl Palmer, drummer with groups Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Asia, said: “The drummers all over the UK owe you a lot for opening the door for all of us.”