David Kaff: A Musical Legacy
David Kaff, the esteemed British musician and actor, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. He gained widespread recognition for his role as keyboardist Viv Savage in the iconic film This Is Spinal Tap.
Tributes Pour In
His bandmates from Mutal of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom confirmed the news through a heartfelt message on Facebook. They shared that Kaff, whose full name was Kaffinetti, "passed away peacefully in his sleep." They expressed their devastation, highlighting his kind spirit and sharp wit, which always managed to bring a smile to those around him.
Memorable Character
In This Is Spinal Tap, Kaff’s character was known for delivering hilariously absurd one-liners. A memorable moment occurs when one character asks if he can play a certain progression on "Big Bottom," to which Viv responds deadpan, “Oh yeah, I’ve got two hands.” His portrayal extended to humorous remarks while hanging out on the band’s tour bus, where he remarked on “computer magic” during a video game session.
Even more iconic was his line during the film’s closing credits, where Rob Reiner’s character asks him about his philosophy on life. With a playful grin, Viv famously responded, “Have a good time, all the time.” This line captures the irreverent spirit of the film.
Life Beyond Spinal Tap
Following the film’s release in 1984, Kaff remained involved with Spinal Tap for a short time. He appeared on Saturday Night Live that same year and later in a comedic PSA about hearing loss, where he humorously misheard a question with, “What?”
Before his role in This Is Spinal Tap, Kaff was a member of the English prog-rock band Rare Bird. The band released five albums between 1969 and 1975, achieving notable success with their hit single “Sympathy,” which reached Number 27 on the U.K. charts.
Looking Ahead
David Kaff will not be part of the upcoming sequel to This Is Spinal Tap, titled Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which is set to hit theaters on September 12. His contributions to music and film leave behind a rich legacy.
What are your favorite moments from This Is Spinal Tap?
