Acclaimed American musician and actor David Kaff, best known for his role as keyboardist Viv Savage in the legendary 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, has passed away at the age of 79.
News of his death was confirmed by his bandmates in a heartfelt Facebook post on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. According to the post shared by members of his band Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, Kaff—born David Kaffinetti—died peacefully in his sleep on Monday.
“Our brother David Kaffinetti peacefully passed away in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event. RIP dear brother,” the message read.
David Kaff rose to cult fame through his comedic and musical portrayal in This Is Spinal Tap, a groundbreaking satire directed by Rob Reiner that poked fun at the excesses and eccentricities of rock ‘n’ roll bands in the 1980s. Kaff’s deadpan delivery as Viv Savage and his iconic on-screen motto, “Have a good time, all the time,” became one of the most quoted lines from the film and helped cement the movie’s status as one of the greatest mockumentaries of all time.
From Rock Parody to Real-World Influence
Though Spinal Tap was fictional, it had a remarkable impact on pop culture and the music industry. The film blurred the lines between parody and reality so effectively that audiences often believed the band to be real — a perception that was sustained by the cast’s occasional live performances under the Spinal Tap name, with Kaff reprising his role as Viv Savage.
Kaff’s contribution to the mock band extended beyond acting. As a skilled keyboardist and musician, he brought a degree of authenticity to the role that resonated with fans and musicians alike. Following the film’s release, Spinal Tap was invited to perform on several real-life stages, including the famed Saturday Night Live, further enhancing the group’s status.
Beyond Spinal Tap, Kaff continued to perform in various music ensembles over the years, most notably Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, with whom he played until his passing. His passion for music never waned, and he remained a fixture in smaller music circles, celebrated for both his talent and warm, humorous personality.
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and actors who remember Kaff not just for his role in Spinal Tap, but also for his decades-long contribution to music and entertainment.
Comedian and Spinal Tap co-star Michael McKean, who played David St. Hubbins in the film, took to social media to express his sorrow:
“Heartbroken to hear about David Kaff. Viv Savage was only one part of his brilliance. A talented musician, a kind soul, and a true original. Rest easy, brother.”
Fans flooded tribute threads online with memories of Kaff’s hilarious scenes and heartfelt encounters. One user on Reddit’s classic rock forum wrote, “David Kaff made Viv Savage unforgettable. That smile, that one-liner, the keyboard solos—he made fiction feel real. A legend in his own right.”
Music historian Dr. Lenny Harris described Kaff as “the quiet genius in a film full of loud moments. His comedic timing and musicianship gave Spinal Tap a heart that made its satire even more enduring.”
The Legacy of Viv Savage
While David Kaff’s artistic range extended beyond Spinal Tap, it was his portrayal of Viv Savage that made him a household name in the realm of cult cinema. Viv, the chain-smoking, laid-back keyboardist with few words but a lot of charm, represented the archetype of the quiet rocker — present but not always noticed, until his brilliance on the keys revealed itself.
Kaff’s performance was subtle yet unforgettable, complementing the louder personalities of bandmates like Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer). His memorable quote, “Have a good time, all the time,” became a sort of philosophical mantra for generations of fans who loved the absurdity and sincerity of Spinal Tap.
The film itself became a template for future mockumentaries and helped launch a genre, influencing films like Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
A Quiet Life Beyond the Spotlight
Despite his fame from Spinal Tap, Kaff mostly lived a low-profile life after the peak of the film’s popularity. He chose to focus on his passion for music rather than chasing the spotlight, performing with lesser-known but equally loved bands and mentoring young musicians.
He was also a recurring guest at fan conventions and musical festivals, often surprising audiences with his humor, humility, and endless knowledge of music history.
In one of his last interviews at a 2023 classic rock panel in California, Kaff said, “I never wanted to be the loudest in the room. I just wanted to make music and enjoy every bit of it. If people remember Viv Savage, and they smile, then I’ve done something right.”
Final Farewell
As news of his death continues to ripple through the entertainment world, fans are revisiting This Is Spinal Tap and sharing their favorite clips, reminding the world of the timeless humor and heart that Kaff brought to the screen.
A memorial tribute is expected to be organized by his bandmates in California later this month, with details to be announced on their official social media pages.
David Kaff leaves behind a legacy that, while grounded in parody, reflected real artistry and humanity. He will be remembered not just as Viv Savage, but as a genuine figure in both music and comedy who made people laugh, think, and — as he said — have a good time, all the time.
