David Kaff dead: This Is Spinal Tap icon dies aged 79 as friends pay tribute

This Is Spinal Tap icon and musician who performed with Chuck Berry, David Kaff, has died

Spinal Tap keyboardist David Kaff has died aged 79.

His band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom shared the heartbreaking news on Friday. They wrote: "Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event."

David portrayed keyboardist Viv Savage in the 1984 mockumentary comedy film, This Is Spinal Tap. The critically-acclaimed film featured and was co-written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer.

The three played a fictional heavy metal band called Spinal Tap, which was characterised as "one of England's loudest bands".

Director Rob Reiner played Martin "Marty" Di Bergi, a documentary filmmaker who follows them on their American tour. Meanwhile, keyboardist Dave was cast to play Viv Savage for the fictional band.

The group continued as a band after the film was released and even made concert and live TV appearances. Still, as Savage, David was involved in Spinal Tap's appearance on Saturday Night Live in 1984.

In the movie's credits, when he was asked for his life's motto, Kaff's Savage famously says: "Have a good time… all the time."

However, by the end of that year, he left the group and wasn't involved in any further Spinal Tap activity.

Speaking to BAM in 1991, David said he had a "great affection for Viv" and added: "I played him very close to my heart... Just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me."

At the time, he discussed being part of a sequel, saying: "I just hope I'm a part of whatever they do!" The sequel is said to be coming out in September, but David is not credited in the movie.

David was a member of Rare Bird in the 70s. The band released five studio albums. Their song Sympathy sold approximately one million copies worldwide.

The star went on to work as a session musician with Chuck Berry for The London Chuck Berry Sessions in 1972.

In a tribute, one person wrote: "I'm very sad to report that one of Folkestone's finest and legendary musicans, 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."

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