David Kaff, who played keyboardist Viv Savage in ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ dies at 79
David Kaff, a renowned British performer known for his role as Viv Savage, the keyboardist in “This Is Spinal Tap,” the popular 1984 mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner, passed away on Saturday. He was 79 years old.
The passing of Kaff was shared on Facebook by his band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom. Unfortunately, the cause of death wasn’t disclosed nor was the location mentioned, except that he passed away tranquilly in his sleep.
In their statement, the band expressed deep sorrow about this incident. David was known for his warmhearted words and sharp humor that could leave you in stitches before putting a smile on your face.
Music
In anticipation of a concert at the Hollywood Bowl this coming Sunday, the 80-year-old musician and composer reflects upon some of his iconic tunes associated with Creedence Clearwater Revival.
In the band Spinal Tap, Kaff was the keyboardist, accompanying lead singer David St. Hubbins (played by Michael McKean), guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer). Rob Reiner’s film, initially based on a sketch from the 1979 ABC comedy special “The T.V. Show,” humorously depicted the over-the-top aspects of heavy metal music. A classic joke involved Tufnel explaining that the volume controls on his amp go beyond the standard 10, reaching all the way to 11. The film ultimately gained a cult following and was even recognized by being inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.
The film led to a soundtrack filled with unique tunes penned and sung by the actors themselves, such as “Stonehenge,” “Sex Farm,” and “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight.” Kaff collaborated with Spinal Tap on “Saturday Night Live” following the film’s premiere; however, he departed the band before they released their second album, “Break Like the Wind,” in 1992. It is unlikely that he will make an appearance in the upcoming sequel to the movie, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” which is set to hit theaters in September.
David Kaffinetti, later known as Kaff, was born in 1946 and founded the British progressive rock band Rare Bird. This group achieved a Top 40 hit in the UK in 1970 with “Sympathy.” In 1972, he played piano for Chuck Berry during a live performance that was later included in Berry’s album “The London Chuck Berry Sessions.” This recording produced the chart-topping song “My Ding-a-Ling.” At the moment, details about Kaff’s surviving family members are not yet known.
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2025-07-15 21:31