
This Is Spinal Tap icon David Kaff dead at 79... just months before legendary film's sequel release
David Kaff, who played keyboardist Viv Savage in the iconic 1984 film, died peacefully in his sleep on July 11, per a statement from his band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom.
It read: 'Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday.
'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.'
This is Spinal Tap was first released in 1984 and starred Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer.
Directed by Rob Reiner, who also starred in the mockumentary comedy, it followed a heavy metal group Spinal Tap, dubbed as one of England's loudest bands, on their American tour.
Kaff's keyboardist Savage was known for his motto: 'Have a good time…all the time' and 'Quite exciting, this computer magic!'
Kaff's death comes just two months before a sequel to his iconic film will be released - Kaff did not reprise his role in the new film.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues will be released in September. It will follow Spinal Tap as they perform one last time after reuniting after 15 years.
Director Rob Reiner said: 'So happy to be working with the folks at Bleecker Street who are passionate about keeping Tap's legacy alive and happy to give Marty DiBergi another shot at relevancy.'
While Bleecker Street's CEO Andrew Karpen and president Kent Sanderson said: 'We feel privileged for the opportunity to work with Rob Reiner and the brilliant minds behind the original This Is Spinal Tap and to be part of a film that has resonated with so many.'
They described the first movie as a cultural touchstone' and added: 'This Is Spinal Tap isn't just a movie – it's a cultural touchstone that pioneered the mockumentary genre and left an indelible mark on both film and music.
'Returning to this world through Spinal Tap II is an extraordinary chance to celebrate its legacy while creating something fresh for both new and devoted audiences.'
This Is Spinal Tap has a whopping 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised by many.
In 2002 it was chosen for preservation by the National Film Registry, as the Library of Congress declared it was 'culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.'
Some fans have taken to social media to express their excitement of the new release, one posted on X: 'WAIT THEY'RE MAKING A SPINAL TAP 2???';
'Can't wait for Spinal Tap 2.';
Kaff, born David Kaffinetti, was a founding member of British progressive rock band Rare Bird from 1969 to 1975. They were known for their 1969 track Sympathy which charted at number 27 and sold one million copies.
He also played keyboards for Chuck Berry on album The London Chuck Berry Sessions.
After shooting to fame in This Is Spinal Tap, the line-up toured and played Saturday Night Live in 1984. Kaff would later leave the group at the end of the year.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BreakingNews.ie
4 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Drake concert cancelled due to ‘unforeseen' travel issues
Rapper Drake has had a concert at Co-Op Live cancelled due to 'unforeseen' travel issues. The Canadian musician was due to perform at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena on Monday July 28, however, has had to reschedule the gig due to 'unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics'. Advertisement The 38-year old, whose full name is Aubrey Drake Graham, will instead perform at the venue on August 5th. Drake attending the UK premiere of Top Boy at the Hackney Picturehouse in London (Ian West/PA) The news was shared in a statement on the Co-Op live website, which said: 'Due to unforeseen ferry schedule and travel logistics, tomorrow's performance in Manchester on July 28th has been rescheduled. 'The good news is that Drake will now perform in Manchester on Tuesday, August 5th, and it's set to be an unforgettable night. 'All tickets remain valid for the new date—we can't wait to see you there!' Advertisement This comes after Drake released a new song, Which One, on Thursday with British rapper Central Cee. Drake is midway through the UK leg of his Some Special Shows 4 U tour with Partynextdoor, marking his first return to Europe in six years. Drake performing at the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, central London. Photo: Ian West/PA. Earlier this month Drake performed at Wireless Festival in London after signing a multi-million pound deal to top the bill each night of the three nights. The Canadian brought out UK heavyweights Dave, Central Cee and J Hus as surprise guests during one of his performances on the main stage in Finsbury Park. Advertisement He also performed with Lauryn Hill on one of the three nights. The five-time Grammy-award winning artist will head to mainland Europe in August with concerts scheduled in Amsterdam, Zurich, and Milan and Paris. The artist is best known for his hit songs One Dance, Hold On We're Going Home, and Hotline Bling.


The Independent
33 minutes ago
- The Independent
Duke and Duchess of Westminster ‘thrilled' as they welcome their first child
The Duke and Duchess of Westminster have announced the birth of their first child. Billionaire aristocrat Hugh Grosvenor and his wife Olivia, who married last year, have welcomed a baby girl named Cosima Florence Grosvenor, born in London on Sunday. 'The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter,' a spokesperson for the couple said. 'Both the duchess and Cosima are doing well. 'The duke and duchess now look forward to spending this special time together as a family.' The duke, one of the UK's biggest landowners, is a close friend of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, and godfather to Prince George and also reportedly to Prince Archie. William acted as an usher at his wedding in Chester Cathedral in June last year but Harry mutually agreed with the groom he would not attend amid his long-running rift with his brother. Hugh, once considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors, became an instant billionaire when he inherited his title and control of the historic Grosvenor Estate aged 25, following the death of his father from a heart attack in 2016. His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns hundreds of acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city centre developments such as Liverpool's One shopping centre. In 2020, the duke donated £12.5 million to the UK's Covid-19 relief effort including funds for NHS Charities Together and for medical research and development.


Daily Mail
34 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Louise Redknapp wishes son Charlie a happy 21st birthday as she shares sweet tribute to 'charming young man and partner in crime'
Louise Redknapp has wished her son Charlie a happy 21st birthday as she shared a sweet tribute. The singer, 50, shares two children, Charlie and Beau, 16, with ex footballer Jamie Redknapp, who she split from in 2017 after 19 years of marriage. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Louise shared an array of snaps of herself and Charlie over the years - from baby snaps to recent pictures. 'How did this happen?!' Louise wrote. 'My baby is 21 years old today!!! 'Chaz I am so proud of you and the charming young man you have become, you've been my partner in crime and shadow since day one and nothing makes me happier than seeing you living your best life. 'You have an incredible future ahead of you keep on working hard and absolutely smashing it. I would however like to request that you now at the age of 21 learn how to wash up, turn the lights off and pick your clothes up off the bedroom floor… but maybe we'll get there for next year. 'Happy Birthday Charley, Have the most amazing day! We love you so much. Love Mum Xxx.' Earlier this year, Louise revealed why she was painted as the 'villain' following her split from ex-husband Jamie. In an interview, Louise opened up about being accused of walking out on her family and how everyone had an 'opinion'. She told the Independent: 'I was the villain. I'd been lucky in my career because for many years I didn't really have a lot of scrutiny. Then bang, everybody's got an opinion.' 'Anything someone could perceive as negative, I cut out. Nothing I said was right. To defend myself was wrong. To not defend myself was wrong. 'I felt like I was walking up a one-way street with just nowhere to go on it.' Louise also discussed her divorce from Jamie on the Happy Place podcast and credited her two sons for keeping her going during the breakup. She said: 'If I didn't have my kids, I think I would've just given up. I think I just knew that my kids were my everything and they needed me.' The singer admitted that the public scrutiny of her marriage breakdown made the situation even harder to deal with. She added: 'But I can honestly say, when you're going through something so personal in your own turmoil in your own way, but then to get the barrage of judgment and nastiness. 'I never realised people could be so unkind and say such terrible things. I blew my mind.' 'I was going through a lot as it was, I was trying to be strong for my kids, whatever had gone on in our life was private - which I do believe that you're entitled to no matter what. 'And God, I was such a villain, and I was breaking like I was absolutely breaking. 'Beyond what I thought it was possible for a human to break and all along I'm still trying to be a mum. 'And it was just like every time I went out, and I was trying to put a brave face on and do things, like that was wrong if I didn't."