David Kaff has died.
The musician, who portrayed Viv Savage in the 1984 mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap,” passed away in his sleep last week.
He was 79.
His band, Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom, revealed the heartbreaking news via social media on Friday, July 11.
“Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday,” Kaff’s bandmates announced on Facebook.
Sharing they were “devastated” by his death, the band noted, “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!”
Signing off their emotional message, they concluded, “RIP dear brother.”
His cause of death was not revealed.
The British rocker — real name David Kaffinetti — was a member of the UK progressive band Rare Bird in the ’70s before landing a small part in Rob Reiner’s musical comedy “This Is Spinal Tap.”
Kaff’s role in the ’80s mockumentary about a struggling metal band wasn’t huge, but his memorable line in the flick is one of the most quoted to this day.
During the movie’s credits, when asked about his life motto, his character says: “Have a good time… all the time.”
The keyboardist and his fictitious band in the famous mockumentary played several real-life shows together after the film gained popularity. They even made an appearance on a 1984 episode of “Saturday Night Live.”
Kaff was also a session musician on Chuck Berry’s 1972 album “The London Chuck Berry Sessions,” according to Ultimate Classic Rock.
The musician spoke highly of playing Savage in the past.
“I have a great affection for Viv,” Kaff said of his character during a 1991 appearance at USC, in which he was tasked with speaking about the making of the beloved mockumentary, per BAM.
“I played him very close to my heart,” he continued, “just a little bit dimmer. If people like that character, chances are they’ll like me.”
Kaff also revealed his hopes about a possible “This Is Spinal Tap” sequel.
“I just hope I’m a part of whatever they do!” he shared at the time.
Sequel rumors began swirling again in 2022, with Variety confirming earlier this year that “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” is set to hit theaters this fall after Bleecker Street acquired the US rights to the follow-up film.
Reiner signed back on as the director, and the original stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer will be reprising their roles as Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins and Derek Smalls, respectively.
The sequel picks back up with the members of “one of England’s loudest bands” for one final show after a 15-year hiatus.
Reiner will also return as his character Marty DiBergi, a documentarian following the group on tour.
While it’s unclear if Kaff was tapped to join them in the follow-up film, music icons like Elton John, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will reportedly be making cameos.
“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,” Reiner said in a statement in March.
“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” is scheduled to make its theatrical debut on September 12.
Content shared from nypost.com.