In a heartbreaking moment for fans and music lovers alike, David Kaffinetti, the beloved keyboard maestro of the iconic band Spinal Tap, has passed away at the age of 79. The news was announced by his band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, who expressed their profound sorro”Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event.”
Famed for his quirky portrayal of keyboardist Viv Savage in the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap, Kaffinetti became a face synonymous with rock parody. The film, released in 1984, was a collaborative brainchild of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, deftly poking fun at the absurd excesses of rock ‘n’ roll.
Under the direction of Rob Reiner, who played the documentary filmmaker Marty Di Bergi chronicling the band’s outrageous American tour, David brought the offbeat Viv Savage to life, captivating audiences around the world.
After the film, Spinal Tap transitioned from a fictional band to a real-life act, showcasing their talents in various live performances. David notably appeared on Saturday Night Live in 1984, embodying the spirit of his character. His sage advice delivered during the film’s credits resonates even toda”Have a good time… all the time.”
However, by the end of that year, David distanced himself from the ensemble, stepping back from his Spinal Tap engagements.
Reflecting on his character years later in a 1991 BAM magazine interview, David fondly shared, “I played him very close to my heart… Just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me.” His enthusiasm for a sequel was evident when he expressed, “I just hope I’m a part of whatever they do!” Although the follow-up film is rumored to release in September, David’s name is regrettably absent from the credits.
Before his rise to fame with Spinal Tap, David was a key member of the progressive rock band Rare Bird during the 1970s. This legendary group produced five studio albums, with the hit track “Sympathy” achieving approximately one million global sales.
David also made his mark as a session musician, collaborating with the legendary Chuck Berry on The London Chuck Berry Sessions in 1972. A heartfelt tribute from a fan captured the sentiment perfectl”I’m very sad to report that one of Folkestone’s finest and legendary musicians, 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.”