David Kaffinetti, Who Immortalized Viv Savage In ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ Has Died

British actor and musician David Kaffinetti, best known for his portrayal of keyboardist Viv Savage in the film This Is Spinal Tap, passed away on Friday, July 11 at age 79. Kaffinetti’s death was confirmed in a statement posted on Facebook by his bandmates in Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom.

“Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday,” they wrote. “We are devastated by this event.”

“David always had a kind word and a quick wit that would slay you where you stand. Then he’d make you smile doing it! RIP dear brother,” added Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom. The cause of Kaffinetti’s death was not disclosed.

David Kaffinetti was born in England on April 17, 1946. The musician co-founded the progressive rock band Rare Bird in 1969. The group put out five studio albums through 1974 before disbanding the following year.

Kaffinetti also backed Chuck Berry on three tracks released on 1972’s The London Chuck Berry Sessions. One of those tracks, a version of “Johnny B. Goode,” was featured on the Voyager Golden Record, a gold record sent into space aboard the Voyager probe in 1977.

In 1984, Kaffinetti was tapped to appear as keyboardist Viv Savage in the film This Is Spinal Tap. Kaff stole several scenes in the legendary mockumentary and delivered the memorable line that closes the movie, “Have a good time … all the time. That’s my philosophy.” Additionally, David Kaffinetti performed as part of the fictional band during a 1984 episode of Saturday Night Live.

“I have a great affection for Viv,” Kaffinetti told BAM of the character in a 1991 interview. “I played him very close to my heart,” David said, “just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me.”

David Kaffinetti was a longtime resident of the Bay Area and was active in the region’s music scene. “Our friend and @spinaltap band member @kaffinetti passed away; Dave was amazing guy. I had the opportunity to open for his band MOAWK featuring my close friend @tomfalletti, hang out with him, and even have him record keyboards on a tune I produced. We’ll miss your infectious laugh and great playing,” wrote San Francisco-based psych-rock outfit Brand New Pack on Instagram of Kaffinetti following his death.

On March 23, 2018, David Kaffinetti joined Umphrey's McGee on keys for two songs during the band’s concert at The Fox Theater in Oakland. Kaffinetti sat-in with the band on a cover of the Spinal Tap classic “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight” at the end of their first set. The crowd went wild when he delivered Viv Savage’s signature “Have a good time, all the time” line before they performed the song for the first time since 2004.

David Kaffinetti returned towards the end of the second set to add to UM original “Resolution.” The jam saw Kaffinetti show off his skills on piano while Umphrey’s keyboardist Joel Cummins focused on Rhodes.

Watch footage of UM’s 2018 show at the Fox featuring special guest David Kaffinetti below shared by Must Have Media: