David Kaff, Keyboardist from ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ Dead at 79

Passing of a Beloved Musician

David Kaff, best known for playing keyboardist Viv Savage in This Is Spinal Tap, has died at the age of 79. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 11.

The news was confirmed by Kaff’s band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, through a heartfelt post on social media. “Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday,” the message read. “We are devastated by this event. 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!”

 

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From Prog Rock to Cult Comedy

Before stepping into comedy, Kaff was part of the English progressive rock band Rare Bird. He co-founded the group in 1969 and played with them until 1975. During that time, they released five studio albums. Their debut record was the first to be released on Charisma Records, hitting shelves in December 1969. The band scored a U.K. hit with “Sympathy,” which climbed to No. 27 on the charts.

In addition to his work with Rare Bird, Kaff also played as a session musician, contributing to The London Chuck Berry Sessions — a project by rock and roll icon Chuck Berry.

Viv Savage’s Famous Line

Though his role in This Is Spinal Tap was small, Kaff left a lasting impression with one famous line. Near the end of the film, when Viv Savage is asked about his life philosophy, he simply says: “Have a good time all the time.”

Kaff once shared in a 2019 interview that the character was close to who he really was. “I played him very close to my heart,” he said. “Just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me.”