David Kaff, best known for starring as Spinal Tap keyboardist Viv Savage, has died aged 79.
Kaff, whose real name is David Kaffinetti, was a British actor and musician. His death was confirmed by his band Mutal of Alameda's Wild Kingdon on social media, who said that he “passed away peacefully in his sleep”. See the post in full here.
David Kaff starred as Spinal Tap's Viv Savage in the cult mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap in 1984, as well as appearing live on stage with the band several times, including a special Saturday Night Live performance that same year.
While his role was not quite as big as Spinal Tap's lead actors, David Kaff's character Viv Savage's role left an indelible mark on fans, including witty one liners, such as the film's closing line: “Have a good time, all the time – that’s my philosophy".
David Kaff left the fictional band soon after the film's release, and did not return from the band's studio albums, including Break Like The Wind in 1992, and Back from the Dead in 2009. He will a not feature in the upcoming Spinal Tap sequel, which arrives in September.
David Kaff is also credited with forming other bands, including Oakland's Model Citizens, as well as psych-rock outfit, Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom.
Prior to his role in Spinal Tap, David Kafinetti also co founded British psychedelic rock band, Rare Bird. They went on to record five studio albums from 1969 to 1974, including a number one hit, 'Sympathy' in 1970. He also worked with Chuck Berry for The London Chuck Berry Sessions, which released the hit single, 'My Ding-a-Ling'.
Back in March, the first teaser trailer for the Spinal Tap II movie was released, featuring Elton John, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Check out that trailer and Nova's report here.
