Dave Ball, a musician from Soft Cell, has passed away at the age of 66.
His death was confirmed through official channels moments ago, with reports stating that he died yesterday (October 22nd).
A statement from Soft Cell revealed that Dave Ball peacefully passed away in his sleep at his London home. Marc Almond, Dave’s longtime collaborator in Soft Cell for nearly five decades, leads the tributes, calling Dave a “wonderfully brilliant musical genius.”
Dave Ball dedicated himself to music from beginning to end, with his most recent performance being a headline act with Soft Cell at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames, entertaining over 20,000 fans.
Soft Cell’s debut album, ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret,’ released in 1981, marked a pivotal moment in British pop music, setting a new benchmark for synth-driven sounds. By merging unconventional sounds with catchy pop melodies — along with a raw edge in both music and lyrics — Soft Cell cleared the path for other synth duos like Yazoo, Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys, and Erasure.
Their second single, ‘Tainted Love,’ a cover of a song from the American scene that gained popularity in Northern Soul clubs, became an iconic track, significantly enhanced by Dave Ball’s innovative electronic rework.
Soft Cell’s latest album, ‘Happiness Not Included,’ was released in 2021.
Marc Almond has shared a heartfelt tribute, which is provided below.
“It’s difficult to articulate this, let alone accept it, especially since Dave was in such a good emotional state. He was enthusiastic and delighted with the new album that we had just finalized days ago. It’s heartbreaking because 2026 was poised to be a wonderful year for him, and I find some comfort in knowing he heard the completed record and considered it exceptional. Dave’s music has never been better. His melodies and hooks are distinctly Soft Cell, yet he consistently elevated it to new heights. He was a truly brilliant musical genius, and we have been on this journey together for nearly 50 years. In our early days, we were brash and challenging, two determined art students wanting to forge our own path, even if it was not the right one. We were inexperienced and made errors, but we never truly acknowledged them as mistakes; they were simply part of our adventure. Dave and I were always somewhat different, yet perhaps that’s why our chemistry worked so effectively.
“Whenever we reunited after extended separations, there was always that warmth and connection. Our deep mutual respect lent a unique strength to our songwriting. We shared plenty of laughter, a similar sense of humor, and a passion for films, books, and music. Dave had bookshelves brimming with literature and a wide array of fascinating music references. He was the heart and soul of Soft Cell, and I take pride in what we’ve accomplished together.
“It seems fitting that our next (and now final) album together is titled ‘Danceteria,’ as it harkens back to New York City in the early 1980s, where many of our musical ideas were born. That was a significant era for us. While quintessentially British, we often felt like an honorary American band. We’ve always embraced the myths and narratives surrounding Soft Cell, and ‘Danceteria’ will now serve as an album that encapsulates our journey. I only wish Dave could have stayed long enough to celebrate our 50 years together in a couple of years. He will forever be cherished by Soft Cell fans who appreciate his work, and his music and memory will continue on. At any moment, someone around the world will be enjoying a Soft Cell song.
“Thank you, Dave, for being such a monumental part of my life and for the music you created. I wouldn't be where I am without you.”
Main Photo Credit: Mike Owen
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Dave Ball, the musician from Soft Cell, has died at the age of 66. The news of his death was officially announced just a short while ago.