David Kaff dead aged 79: Spinal Tap keyboardist & Chuck Berry band member dies as tributes pour in for rocker
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ROCK legend David Kaff has died at 79.
The keyboardist performed with the likes of Chuck Berry, and gained fame as a star in This is Spinal Tap.
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Rock star David Kaff has died at 79
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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David Kaff (back right) gained fame as the keyboardist in Spinal Tap
Credit: Avalon.red
Kaff's band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom announced the news of his death on Friday, July 11.
They wrote: "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! RIP dear brother."
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A cause of death wasn't noted.
He was known for portraying the keyboardist Viv Savage in popular 1984 musical comedy This Is Spinal Tap.
The mockumentary centred on the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap - characterised as "one of England's loudest bands".
It led to a performance on Saturday Night Live in 1984.
In the film's end credits, Kaff's character reminds audiences to "have a good time...all the time."
A sequel to the movie is set to release in September, although Kaff is not listed on the credits.
Kaff was a founding member of the rock group Rare Bird from 1969 to 1975.
The band released five studio albums, with their song "Sympathy" selling an estimated one million copies globally.
He went on to work with Chuck Berry as a session musician for The London Chuck Berry Sessions in 1972.
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The Guardian
4 hours ago
- The Guardian
David Kaff, Spinal Tap keyboardist and musician, dies aged 79
David Kaff, the British actor and musician known for playing keyboardist Viv Savage in Rob Reiner's 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, has died aged 79. His bandmates in Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom confirmed the news on their Facebook page, writing that the musician had 'passed away peacefully in his sleep' on Friday. '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!' they wrote. 'RIP dear brother.' Born David Kaffinetti in Folkestone, Kaff studied classical piano as a child before falling in love with rock'n'roll in his teens. In his early 20s, he co-founded prog rock group Rare Bird, perhaps best known for their 1969 track Sympathy. However, he found greater fame playing the keys in This Is Spinal Tap's fictional heavy metal band, alongside the movie's co-writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer. His memorable lines in the film include Viv's life philosophy: 'Have a good time … all the time.' Kaff performed as part of Spinal Tap at various gigs after the film's release, including their appearance on Saturday Night Live, but by the end of 1984, he had left the group. He played in various other bands in the subsequent decades, including Oakland's Model Citizens and San Francisco's Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom – but Kaff remained fond of Spinal Tap and appreciative of fans' love for his character in the movie. 'I played him [Viv] very close to my heart, just a little bit dimmer,' he told BAM in 1991. 'If people like that character, chances are they'll like me.' A sequel to Spinal Tap, directed by Reiner and co-written by and starring McKean, Shearer and Guest, is due for release in September, but Kaff was not involved in the movie.
Metro
9 hours ago
- Metro
Musician and Spinal Tap star David Kaff dies aged 79
David Kaff, best known for his role in the 80s film This Is Spinal Tap, has died. The 79-year-old actor and musician died last week, with his band announcing the news, but not specifying the cause of death. Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom, Kaff's band, announced on social media on Friday, July 11: '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! RIP dear brother.' Kaff was a member of the progressive rock band Rare Bird for six years between 1969 and 1975, releasing five albums during their time together. Their single Sympathy reached the top 30 in 1970 in the UK singles chart. He was later in the band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom. Fans were quick to share their sincere condolences with the band on social media. Billy Garoutte commented on the Facebook post: 'My deepest condolences sent. 😕' 'Rest in peace Viv. Condolences to family and friends. Love and Aloha,' said Tim Gannon, referencing Kaff's most famous acting role. 'Very very sorry for the loss,' said Kevin Beville. Despite his musical success he was best known by fans for playing Spinal Tap keyboardist, Viv Savage, in the popular 1984 musical comedy This Is Spinal Tap. The original 1984 film This Is Spinal Tap mocked heavy rock bands, pointing out the ridiculousness of their backstage debaucherous behaviour and outfits. More Trending The mockumentary centred on the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap – and was filled with quotable moments that decades later still have people reciting. The movie was a massive success, leading to the main trio actually performing as Spinal Tap at various concerts, including at Glastonbury Festival, Live Earth concerts, and at a tribute to Freddie Mercury. A Spinal Tap sequel, titled Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, has been released – with Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney confirmed to cameo. The new film is set to feature the original cast members, including Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, and director Rob Reiner. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Legendary 00s band announce huge tour after cancelling Glastonbury slot MORE: Pokemon voice actor James Carter Cathcart dies aged 71 MORE: EastEnders star Frank Barrie dies aged 88 as tributes are paid
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
David Kaff dead aged 79: Spinal Tap keyboardist & Chuck Berry band member dies as tributes pour in for rocker
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ROCK legend David Kaff has died at 79. The keyboardist performed with the likes of Chuck Berry, and gained fame as a star in This is Spinal Tap. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Rock star David Kaff has died at 79 Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 2 David Kaff (back right) gained fame as the keyboardist in Spinal Tap Credit: Kaff's band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom announced the news of his death on Friday, July 11. They wrote: "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! RIP dear brother." Read more Entertainment MAIN SQUEEZE Hailey Bieber reveals her enviable figure and hip tattoo in a lemon bikini A cause of death wasn't noted. He was known for portraying the keyboardist Viv Savage in popular 1984 musical comedy This Is Spinal Tap. The mockumentary centred on the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap - characterised as "one of England's loudest bands". It led to a performance on Saturday Night Live in 1984. In the film's end credits, Kaff's character reminds audiences to "have a good the time." A sequel to the movie is set to release in September, although Kaff is not listed on the credits. Kaff was a founding member of the rock group Rare Bird from 1969 to 1975. The band released five studio albums, with their song "Sympathy" selling an estimated one million copies globally. He went on to work with Chuck Berry as a session musician for The London Chuck Berry Sessions in 1972.
