Remembering David Kaff, the Beloved Keyboardist of *This Is Spinal Tap*

David Kaff, a musician and actor renowned for his role as the jovial keyboardist Viv Savage in the 1984 mockumentary *This Is Spinal Tap*, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 11th at the age of 79. His passing was announced by his band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, who fondly remembered him for his kindness and quick wit.

Born David Kaffinetti in Folkestone, England, in 1946, Kaff dedicated his life to music. Before his film career, he was a founding member of the progressive rock band Rare Bird, active from 1969 to 1975. The band achieved success with their single “Sympathy,” which charted highly in the UK and sold millions of copies internationally. Beyond Rare Bird, Kaff’s musical journey included sessions with Chuck Berry and later involvement with Model Citizenz and Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaff shared his artistic pursuits on social media. His artistic talents extended beyond music.

While Kaff had a long and successful career in music, many will remember him for his portrayal of Viv Savage. In Rob Reiner’s satirical mockumentary, *This Is Spinal Tap*, Kaff’s character provided a touch of lightheartedness amidst the band’s chaotic antics. His iconic line, “Have a good time… all the time. That’s my philosophy,” perfectly epitomized Viv’s optimistic spirit.

Despite its initial modest box office performance, *This Is Spinal Tap* gained immense popularity over time, achieving cult status and influencing the mockumentary genre. This year, the film celebrated its 41st anniversary with a theatrical re-release. Much of the film’s humor came from unscripted lines generated by the talented cast.

Following the film’s release, the fictional band Spinal Tap continued to perform, including a memorable appearance on *Saturday Night Live* in 1984. This marked Kaff’s final performance with Spinal Tap.

Kaff’s death comes as anticipation builds for *Spinal Tap II: The End Continues*, a sequel to the iconic film, slated for release on September 12, 2025. The original cast, including Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner will reprise their roles. Sadly, Kaff will not be featured in this upcoming installment. The cause of Kaff’s death was not publicly disclosed.