Spinal Tap star 'Viv Savage' David Kaff dies aged 79 as friends pay tribute

Movie legends Spinal Tap's keyboard maestro David Kaff has passed away at the age of 79.

The sad announcement, which comes months after Spinal Tap 2 trailer was released, was made by his group Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom on Friday, expressing their grief: "Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event."

David famously brought to life the quirky keyboardist Viv Savage in the 1984 cult hit mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. The film gained critical acclaim and was a joint creative effort with contributions from Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer.

Together, they portrayed Spinal Tap, a parody of rock 'n' roll excesses, branded as "one of England's loudest bands".

Under the vision of Rob Reiner, who played the documentary filmmaker Marty Di Bergi shadowing their American tour antics, Dave captured audiences as the offbeat Viv Savage within the ersatz band, reports the Mirror.

Post-film fame, Spinal Tap transitioned from fiction to actuality, engaging in live performances including TV gigs. Most notably, as character Viv Savage, David featured in their Saturday Night Live spotlight in 1984.

Remembered for his character's sage advice in the credits of the movie, Kaff's Savage advises: "Have a good time... all the time."

But by the end of that year, David detached from the ensemble and ceased his Spinal Tap engagements.

In a nostalgic reflection during a 1991 interview with BAM magazine, David expressed a warm regard for his persona Viv, remarking "I played him very close to my heart... Just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they'll like me."

Previously, he expressed his eagerness to be part of a sequel, stating: "I just hope I'm a part of whatever they do!" The follow-up film is rumoured to be released in September, but David's name doesn't appear in the credits.

David was an integral part of Rare Bird during the 70s. The group produced five studio albums, with their track Sympathy achieving global sales of around one million copies.

The star later lent his talents as a session musician for The London Chuck Berry Sessions in 1972, collaborating with the legendary Chuck Berry.

In a heartfelt tribute, one individual penned: "I'm very sad to report that one of Folkestone's finest and legendary musicians, Dave Kaffinetti passed away at a local care home on Friday. Dave was a member of million-selling prog-rock band Rarebird and was also a member of Spinal Tap.

"Both Rarebird and Viv Savage have recently been inducted onto the Rock'n'Roll Wall of Fame. I very recently spoke to Dave, and he was extremely happy to know that he was remembered for his contribution to Folkestone's musical heritage. RIP Dave."