Spinal Tap’s Viv Savage Star David Kaff Dies at 79
Okay, so let me tell you, this is WILD! Legendary keyboardist and on-screen dynamo David Kaff, best known as Viv Savage from the cult classic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, has passed away at 79. His hard rock days and Hollywood fame blended into one unforgettable career, and today we’re pouring one out for a true original.
David Kaffinetti, who adopted the stage name David Kaff, launched his music journey in 1969 as a founding member of the British progressive rock outfit Rare Bird. Over six pivotal years, Rare Bird churned out five studio albums that challenged the era’s sonic boundaries. Their 1970 single Sympathy exploded onto international charts and clocked more than a million sales, cementing Kaff’s reputation as a keyboard wizard.
Fast-forward to 1984, when Rob Reiner’s satirical masterpiece This Is Spinal Tap hit theaters. Kaff stepped into the shoes of Viv Savage, the droll keyboardist for the fictional band Spinal Tap. From uttering the cheeky line Quite exciting, this computer magic! to cheekily reminding the group to “Have a good time… all the time,” Viv Savage quickly became a fan favorite. Kaff’s deadpan delivery turned every moment into a quotable gem. Variety praised his comic precision, and decades later, his performance still resonates with rock buffs around the globe.
After the film’s surprise success, Kaff and his fellow Tapsters took the act on the road, playing real-life gigs throughout 1984. They even rocked the stage on Saturday Night Live, blurring the lines between parody and genuine hard rock swagger. But by the end of that whirlwind year, Kaff decided to step away from Spinal Tap’s tours and Hollywood lights, opting for a quieter life outside the spotlight.
The announcement of his passing came via Facebook from his longtime bandmates in Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom. In a heartfelt post, the group revealed that Kaff died peacefully in his sleep. They remembered him as quick-witted, generous to every crew member and friend, and someone whose grin could light up any rehearsal studio. No official cause of death was shared, but the outpouring of tributes online underscores the affection he inspired among fans and peers alike.
Beyond his trademark tongue-in-cheek film persona, Kaff held a genuine place in rock history. His early work with Rare Bird influenced progressive music trends, while his turn as Viv Savage cemented his status in comedy lore. Whether tinkering with synthesizers or cycling through one-liners on set, he delivered authenticity that few could match.
Rest in peace, David Kaff. You gave us epic riffs, timeless laughs, and a keyboard crescendo that will forever echo through vinyl and streaming playlists. Phew, I need a moment after spilling all that tea!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom Facebook page
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
