David Kaff, the British keyboardist and actor who brought the easy‑going Viv Savage to life in Rob Reiner’s 1984 mock‑rock classic This Is Spinal Tap, died in his sleep on 11 July at age 79, according to a statement from his current band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom.
Born David Kaffinetti in London on 17 April 1946, he first tasted success with progressive‑rock outfit Rare Bird, co‑founding the group in 1969 and enjoying a million‑selling international hit with “Sympathy,” which peaked at No. 27 on the UK singles chart and reached No. 1 in Italy and France.
Kaff’s witty screen presence—especially his dead‑pan motto “Have a good time… all the time”—turned the small supporting role of Viv Savage into a cult favorite, and he performed the part onstage during Spinal Tap promotional gigs, including a 1984 appearance on Saturday Night Live. Away from the cameras, he remained an in‑demand musician, playing on Chuck Berry’s 1972 London Sessions and later joining acts such as Model Citizenz before settling with Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom.
Bandmates announced his passing with praise for “a kind word and a quick wit that would slay you where you stand”. Tributes swiftly followed across social media and music‑fan forums, many recalling his understated comic timing and Hammond‑organ flourishes that underpinned Rare Bird’s early records.
Kaff’s death arrives as the remaining core trio—Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer—prepare to reunite for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, scheduled for release on 12 September 2025. While he had no formal role in the sequel, friends said he was “tickled” that the fictional band he once helped make real would return to the screen, a testament to the enduring appeal of a film that satirized rock excess yet earned genuine affection from musicians and fans alike.
Kaff is survived by wife Carole and their two children. Plans for a memorial service have not been announced.
