Soft Cell Co-Founder Dave Ball Dies at 66, Leaving Musical Legacy

London, England — Dave Ball, one half of the iconic synth-pop duo Soft Cell, has died at the age of 66. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 22 at his home in London, just weeks after performing at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames with Soft Cell.

Ball, alongside vocalist Marc Almond, gained international fame in 1984 with their hit cover of Gloria Jones‘ ‘Tainted Love.’ This song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, moving over 21 million copies globally and achieving number one status in multiple countries.

Over the course of his career, Ball was known for his unique sound, combining dark electronic music with the melodic pop style of Almond. Their debut album, ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret,’ released in 1981, is regarded as a classic in electronic music.

In a tribute, Almond described Ball as a “wonderfully brilliant musical genius” and shared that the duo had recently completed a new album titled ‘Danceteria’, which is set for release in Spring 2026. He expressed sadness that Ball would not witness the album’s release, saying he was in a “great place emotionally” before his passing.

Ball’s musical journey began early in life. Born into a single-parent household in Chester in 1959, he was adopted and raised in Blackpool. He later met Almond while studying art at Leeds Polytechnic, where their shared passion for music sparked the formation of Soft Cell in 1979.

Aside from his work with Soft Cell, Ball co-founded the techno group The Grid, known for their 1994 hit ‘Swamp Thing.’ He also produced music for a range of artists including Kylie Minogue and David Bowie.

During recent years, Ball faced serious health challenges, including a lengthy hospital stay after contracting pneumonia and sepsis. He had been performing in a wheelchair for the past two years, yet his spirits remained high as he continued to create music.

Richard Norris, Ball’s partner in The Grid, also reflected on their friendship, remembering the laughter and strong bond they shared. “Thank you for the good times, the endless laughter, your unwavering friendship. Most of all, thank you for the music,” Norris said.

Ball’s impact on music, especially the synth-pop genre, remains profound, as his work continues to influence musicians worldwide. His last performance and contributions have left a lasting legacy that fans will cherish for years to come.