Best known as the keyboard player Viv Savage in The Is Spinal Tap, David Kaff passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 79 years old.
Born David Kaffinetti, the real life progressive rock musician played one of the most memorably low-key characters in Rob Reiner’s legendary 1984 rock mockumentary. And prior to his fictional character with Spinal Tap, Kaff was a founding member of Rare Bird, who enjoyed a 1970 Top 30 UK hit with ‘Sympathy.’
Devotees of Spinal Tap will remember Kaff’s deadpan delivery of such lines as, “Quite exciting, this computer magic!” and his signature mantra: “Have a good time… all the time.”
Following the release of iconic 1980s film, David performed with the band for a short time, including a Saturday Night Live appearance.
During Kaff’s later years he continued making music, playing with Model Citizenz and Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom – the latter of which broke the news of his passing on Facebook, with:
“Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. 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! RIP dear brother.”
Due out in September, David Kaff does not appear in the upcoming Spinal Tap sequel.
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Author: Al Denté