David Kaff
British musician and actor (1946–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Kaff (17 April 1946 – 11 July 2025) was a British musician and actor. He was a member of Rare Bird in the 1970s, credited as David Kaffinetti.[1] As a musician, he was perhaps best known as Viv Savage, keyboard player in the title band in the film This Is Spinal Tap (1984).[2]
David Kaff | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | David Kaffinetti |
| Born | 17 April 1946 Folkestone, Kent, England |
| Died | 11 July 2025 (aged 79) |
| Genres | Progressive rock |
| Occupations |
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| Instrument | Keyboards |
| Formerly of | |
Life and career
Kaff was born in Folkestone, Kent on 17 April 1946, as David Ewer, son of a physician and the artist, Peggy Ewer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock group Rare Bird from 1969 to 1975, who were one of the first bands to sign to Charisma Records.[3][4] They released five studio albums between 1969 and 1974. In the UK singles chart, the organ-based single "Sympathy" reached number 27 in February 1970, selling an estimated one million globally.[3]
He was cast to play Viv Savage, the keyboardist for the fictional rock band Spinal Tap, for their mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984).[5] The group continued as a band after the release of the film, making concert and live television appearances; Kaff (still playing Viv Savage) was involved in Spinal Tap's 1984 appearance on Saturday Night Live.[citation needed] By the end of that year, Kaff had left the group, and was not involved in subsequent Spinal Tap activity.[citation needed]
