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David Kaff Dead: Keyboardist in ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ Dies at 79
British musician and actor David Kaff has passed away at the age of 79. According to his bandmates in the metal group Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, he died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday (July 13).
Kaff is best known for his iconic role as Viv Savage, the keyboardist of the fictional rock band Spinal Tap, in Rob Reiner’s cult classic mockumentary film “This Is Spinal Tap” released in 1984. The film’s portrayal of an aging rock band on a disastrous US tour has become a cultural phenomenon and continues to be widely popular.
Born David Kaffinetti on April 17, 1946, in Folkenstone, Kent, England, Kaff began studying classical piano as a child before shifting his focus to rock music in his teenage years. He co-founded the progressive rock group Rare Bird with fellow musicians and later pursued a career in acting.
Kaff’s bandmate Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, also played key roles in “This Is Spinal Tap.”
Source: www.billboard.com
