His humor was so sharp and subtle that it made even the most serious listeners laugh. His music — pulsating, progressive, full of life. And his on-screen persona — unforgettable. He had the ability to shine without ever trying to outshine others. People loved him for his sincerity, talent, and warmth. Now, this vibrant figure lives on only in memories.
His passing was quiet — in his sleep. But the echo of his absence is loud, especially for those who grew up with his comedic persona, who once heard his fingers dance across the keys, or watched that film that became a cult classic. Though he won’t appear in the upcoming sequel, his presence remains in every chord, every scene, every fan.
This was David Kaffinetti, also known as David Kaff — an actor and musician who played keyboardist Viv Savage in the iconic 1984 comedy This Is Spinal Tap. He passed away on July 11 at the age of 79, peacefully in his sleep. His band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, shared the news: “David always had a kind word and a wit that could knock you over — and make you smile doing it.”
Beyond his acting career, David was a founding member of the band Rare Bird, whose hit Sympathy went platinum. He also played keyboards for Chuck Berry on The London Chuck Berry Sessions.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is set to release in September 2024. And while David never returned to reprise his role, his name remains forever etched in musical and cinematic history.
