David Kaff, Best Known as Keyboardist Viv Savage From ‘Spinal Tap’, Has Died at 79

We lost a rock media legend today. Actor David Kaff, who was best known for his role as keyboardist Viv Savage in the cult classic 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, has passed away.

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Kaff passed away recently at the age of 79, according to a statement released by his band, Mutual Of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom. The musician and actor passed away in his sleep, peacefully, on July 11.

Kaff’s role in This Is Spinal Tap was unfortunately limited. However, it was noteworthy enough to make him a memorable part of the film. In the film, where he plays the band’s keyboardist, he delivers one of the most memorable lines of This Is Spinal Tap when asked for his life motto. “Have a good time… all the time.”

David Kaff’s Legacy in Music and Acting Lives On

Kaff’s final appearance with the fictional band would come during their performance on Saturday Night Live in 1984. The lore of the film states that Kaff’s character, Viv Savage, died while visiting the grave of a famous drummer who had exploded on stage, after a buildup of methane gas caused the grave to likewise explode.

Outside of the Spinal Tap universe, Kaff was an accomplished musician. He was born in 1946 and began his music career in the prog-rock outfit Rare Bird in the 1970s. In the band, he was credited as David Kaffinetti. Throughout Europe, the band enjoyed some pretty impressive success, particularly with their song “Sympathy”. That song made it to No. 1 in France and Italy, peaked at No. 27 in the UK, and sold over one million copies globally. Kaff also provided some session work to a Chuck Berry album in 1972.

After his time in Rare Bird, Kaff went on to portray Viv Savage in the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap in 1984. Naturally, the group of actors that played the band in the film went on to continue as an actual band after the release of the mockumentary. With Spinal Tap, Kaff made numerous concert and live TV appearances. By the end of 1984, Kaff left the group.

Kaff was a legend and remains an important part of rock music history. We wish his loved ones nothing but the best during this difficult time.

Photo via YouTube Screenshot