David Kaff, renowned for his iconic portrayal of keyboardist Viv Savage in the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap, tragically passed away on July 11 at the age of 79. His contributions to music and film will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Kaff’s band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, through a heartfelt statement shared on social media platforms. The band expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event. David always had a kind word and a quick wit that would slay you where you stand. Then he’d make you smile doing it!”

READ MORE: 17 Hilarious Real-Life Rock Star ‘Spinal Tap’ Stories

Before his memorable role in Spinal Tap, David Kaffinetti was a founding member of the esteemed English progressive rock band Rare Bird from 1969 to 1975. During this time, they released five studio albums, marking a significant chapter in the history of progressive rock. Rare Bird made waves in the music industry as the first band to have music released by Charisma Records, with their self-titled debut album hitting the shelves in December 1969. Among their achievements, the band secured a U.K. chart hit with the poignant track “Sympathy,” which climbed to No. 27.

In addition to his work with Rare Bird, Kaff also contributed as a session musician on Chuck Berry’s notable album The London Chuck Berry Sessions, further showcasing his versatility and talent in the music scene.

Discovering David Kaff’s Memorable Performance as Viv Savage

Although Kaff’s character in Spinal Tap had a relatively small role, he delivered one of the film’s most unforgettable lines at the end. When asked about his “philosophy of life,” Savage poignantly replies, “Have a good time all the time,” encapsulating the spirit of rock and roll.

In a revealing 2019 interview, Kaff shared that he resonated deeply with his character’s carefree and optimistic approach to life, noting that his own values mirrored those of Savage. “I played him very close to my heart,” he said, “just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me,” highlighting the connection between the actor and the role he portrayed.

Experience David Kaff as Viv Savage in ‘This Is Spinal Tap’