David Kaff, the acclaimed British musician and actor best known for his role as keyboardist Viv Savage in the cult mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984), has passed away at the age of 79.
Kaff’s bandmates from ‘Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom’ announced his death in a Facebook post on Monday, revealing that he died “peacefully in his sleep”.
“Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event,” the post reads.
“David always had a kind word and a quick wit that would slay you where you stand. Then he’d make you smile doing it! RIP dear brother.”
Born David Kaffinetti, he began his music journey with classical piano lessons as a child before transitioning to rock’n’roll during his teenage years.
In his early twenties, Kaff co-founded the English progressive rock band Rare Bird, which went on to release five studio albums between 1969 and 1975.
The group was among the first to sign with Charisma Records, and their hit single ‘Sympathy’ became a global success, selling an estimated one million copies globally.
Kaff gained wider recognition after starring as Viv Savage, the keyboardist of the fictional band Spinal Tap, in the 1984 mockumentary ‘This Is Spinal Tap’.
Following the film’s release, he continued performing as part of Spinal Tap at various events, including a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, before parting ways with the group later that same year.
He later joined other bands, including Model Citizenz and Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, continuing his musical journey beyond the screen.
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