David Kaff dead: This Is Spinal Tap icon dies aged 79 as friends pay tribute

Spinal Tap icon keyboardist David Kaff has died aged 79.

His band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom shared the heartbreaking news on Friday. They wrote: "Our brother David Kaffinetti passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event."

David portrayed keyboardist Viv Savage in the 1984 mockumentary comedy film, This Is Spinal Tap. The critically-acclaimed film featured and was co-written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer.

The three played a fictional heavy metal band called Spinal Tap, which was characterised as "one of England's loudest bands".

Director Rob Reiner played Martin "Marty" Di Bergi, a documentary filmmaker who follows them on their American tour.

Meanwhile, keyboardist Dave was a member of Rare Bird in the 70s. The band released five studio albums. Their song Sympathy sold approximately one million copies worldwide.

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