July 15, 2025 – David Kaff, the British musician and actor greatest recognized for portraying keyboardist Viv Savage within the 1984 cult traditional mockumentary This Is Spinal Faucet, handed away peacefully in his sleep on July 11, 2025, on the age of 79. His loss of life was introduced by his band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, by way of a heartfelt Fb put up: “Our brother David Kaffinetti handed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We’re devastated by this occasion. David at all times had a form phrase and a fast wit that might slay you the place you stand. Then he’d make you smile doing it!” No official explanation for loss of life was disclosed.
Born David Kaffinetti on April 17, 1946, in Folkestone, England, Kaff was a founding member of the progressive rock band Uncommon Hen (1969–1975), which achieved worldwide success with their 1970 hit “Sympathy,” promoting over 1,000,000 copies and topping charts in France and Italy. He additionally labored as a session musician, notably contributing to The London Chuck Berry Periods in 1972. His position as Viv Savage in This Is Spinal Faucet, directed by Rob Reiner, cemented his legacy, with iconic traces like “Have an excellent time… on a regular basis” and “Fairly thrilling, this pc magic!” delivered with deadpan humor. Kaff carried out as Viv on the movie’s soundtrack and through promotional gigs, together with a 1984 Saturday Evening Stay look, although he left the fictional band by 12 months’s finish.
Kaff continued his musical profession with bands like Mannequin Citizenz and Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom within the San Francisco Bay Space, the place he resided for a few years. In a 1991 BAM interview, he expressed affection for Viv Savage, saying, “I performed him very near my coronary heart… just a bit bit dimmer. If folks like that character, chances are high they’ll like me.” Regardless of his enthusiasm for a possible sequel, Kaff was not slated to look in Spinal Faucet II: The Finish Continues, set for launch on September 12, 2025, that includes authentic stars Christopher Visitor, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer.
The information, shared extensively on X by shops like @Selection and @DailyMailCeleb, sparked tributes from followers and friends, celebrating Kaff’s wit and contributions to the mockumentary’s enduring cult standing. A Folkestone tribute famous his induction into the Rock’n’Roll Wall of Fame for each Uncommon Hen and Viv Savage, reflecting his pleasure in his musical legacy. Kaff is survived by his spouse, Carole, and their two kids.