"Spinal Tap's bandmate reminisces about the late David Kaff, recalling his sharp humor and ability to make anyone laugh, even in the face of defeat."
David Kaff, the British actor who played the iconic role of Viv Savage in the cult mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, has passed away at the age of 79. The news was announced by his bandmates in a Facebook post last Friday.
Before his acting career, Kaff, born Kaffinetti, had a moderately successful musical career as a member of the British prog band Rare Bird. The band's most famous song, "Sympathy", was a minor hit in 1970 and reached Number One in France and Italy that year. The song later became a hit single for the post-Fish Marillion in 1992.
Kaff's role in Spinal Tap was close to his heart. In an interview in 1991, he expressed a great affection for his character Viv, stating, "If people liked my character in Spinal Tap, they would likely like me as well." He is also remembered for contributing one of the memorable lines from the original film: "Have a good time... all the time."
In later years, Kaff played in a San Francisco band called Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom. According to his bandmates, Kaff had a kind word and a quick wit that would make you laugh despite making you laugh where you stand. The specific details about his role and the names of his bandmates in Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom are not explicitly detailed in the available sources.
Kaff chose to opt out of Spinal Tap's subsequent reunions, but his legacy lives on. The upcoming sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, is set to be released in the autumn. However, Kaff is not expected to be featured in the sequel.
The Facebook post stated that Kaff passed away peacefully in his sleep. His bandmates expressed their devastation at the event and celebrated his life and contributions to the music industry. Kaff's quote, "Have a good time... all the time," remains a reflection of his philosophy of life.
[1] Rare Bird - Sympathy (1970) [2] This Is Spinal Tap - Full Movie [3] David Kaff [4] Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
- David Kaff's career span was not limited to acting, as he had a moderately successful musical career with the British prog band Rare Bird, known for their hit song "Sympathy" in 1970.
- In the realm of entertainment, David Kaff, best known for his role in This Is Spinal Tap, also ventured into music, forming a band called Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom in later years.
