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David Kaff, best known for featuring in This is Spinal Tap, has died at the age of 79. His band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, announced his passing on Facebook on July 11. They shared that Kaff died peacefully in his sleep.
The band’s post described their loss and remembered Kaff as someone who was warm and witty. No cause of death has been shared at this time. Kaff’s contribution to music and film spans several decades and includes both real and fictional performances.
Born as David Kaffinetti, he was active in the music world long before his memorable movie appearance. From being in a British progressive rock band to playing on a hit Chuck Berry song, Kaff's work reached a wide audience across generations.
David Kaff's early music career and Rare Bird
David Kaffinetti was born on 17th April 1946. He began his music career during the late 1960s. He was also a founding member of Rare Bird, a progressive rock group started in the UK in 1969. In the same year the band was founded, it came up with a hit single titled Sympathy.
The song found a spot on the UK Singles Chart, leading to the band's rise to fame. Kaff was a keyboard player with Rare Bird and remained with the band until 1975.
He was also a keyboard player in The London Chuck Berry Sessions, which was a live recording in the UK. The song that was featured in the album, My Ding-a-Ling, was the only song to land on the US Billboard Hot 100 as number one.
Spinal Tap and movie fame
In 1984, David Kaff gained wide attention for his role as Viv Savage in This Is Spinal Tap, a mockumentary film directed by Rob Reiner. The movie follows a fictional British heavy metal band on tour. Kaff’s character, Viv Savage, was the keyboard player in the band.
One of the most famous moments in the film is his line:
“Have a good time — all the time. That’s my philosophy.”
The quote became one of the most remembered lines from the movie.
David Kaff also performed with Spinal Tap in real life. He joined the band for live performances and appeared with them on Saturday Night Live in 1984.
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David Kaff was still active musically in his final years. He performed with a troupe known as Mutual of Alameda Wild Kingdom that was based in San Francisco. They recalled David Kaff as a person with a terrific sense of humor.
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David Kaff's career traversed music and film. Having played with a rock band in the 60s to appearing in one of the most well-known rock mockumentaries in history, Kaff has left his mark on two industries.
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