Acclaimed American musician and actor, David Kaff, has been confirmed dead. Kaff, who is recognised for playing keyboardist Viv Savage in the 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, died on Monday at the age of 79.

Announcing his death in a Facebook post, his bandmates from ‘Mutual of Alameda’s Wild Kingdom’ disclosed that Kaff died “in his sleep.”

“Our brother David Kaffinetti peacefully passed away in his sleep yesterday. We are devastated by this event. RIP dear brother,” the post stated.

UGAMATV reports that after gaining prominence in the 1984 mockumentary, the deceased continued to perform as part of Spinal Tap at events, including a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, before parting ways to join other bands.