The band confirmed Dave Ball’s death at age 66 in a statement
Dave Ball, one half of the successful electronic pop duo Soft Cell, has tragically passed away at the age of 66, as confirmed by the band in a heartfelt tribute.
The electronic music star died “peacefully in his sleep” at his London home on Wednesday – mere days after he and bandmate Marc Almond finished what is now the final Soft Cell album. Marc, with whom Dave created hits such as Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, has paid homage.
Almond, 68, expressed: “It is hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally. He was focused and so happy with the new album that we literally completed only a few days ago. It’s so sad as 2026 was all set to be such an uplifting year for him, and I take some solace from the fact that he heard the finished record and felt that it was a great piece of work. Dave’s music is better than ever.”
He added: “His tunes and hooks are still unmistakably Soft Cell, yet he always took it to the next level too. He was a wonderfully brilliant musical genius and the pair of us have been on a journey together for almost 50 years. In the early days we were obnoxious and difficult, two belligerent art students who wanted to do things our way, even if it was the wrong way. We were naive and made mistakes, although we never really saw them as such. It was all just a part of the adventure. Dave and I were always a bit chalk and cheese, but maybe that’s why the chemistry between us worked so well.”
Almond’s tribute went on: “Whenever we came back together after long periods apart there was always that warmth and chemistry. There was a deep mutual respect that gave our combined song-writing its unique power. We laughed a lot, and shared a sense of humour, and a love of film, books and music. Dave had shelves full of books and an array of wonderful and surprising musical references. He was the heart and soul of Soft Cell and I’m very proud of our legacy.”
Almond continued: “He will always be loved by the Soft Cell fans who love his music and his music and memory will live on. At any given moment, someone somewhere in the world will be getting pleasure from a Soft Cell song. Thank you Dave for being an immense part of my life and for the music you gave me. I wouldn’t be where I am without you.”
Only weeks prior to his passing, Dave took to the stage with Marc in what would become his final live show. The pair appeared at Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames.
Dave established Soft Cell with Marc following their encounter at Leeds Polytechnic, where Dave had been pursuing art studies. The partnership began in 1979 and continued until 1984. They became renowned for classics such as their version of Gloria Jones’ Tainted Love, Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, and Torch, reports the Mirror. Tainted Love, released as their second single, reached number one in the UK and 17 nations worldwide.
Their sound influenced numerous electronic pop partnerships including Pet Shop Boys, Yazoo and Eurythmics. During his time with the band, Dave released a solo album titled ‘In Strict Tempo’. In addition to this, Ball worked as a producer, songwriter and remixer with artists including Kylie Minogue, David Bowie and Pet Shop Boys.
The group parted ways in 1984 before reuniting in 2000 for a series of live shows and a mini tour. They then released their fourth album ‘Cruelty Without Beauty’ in 2002. In 2005, the duo went on to release a compilation of early demos called ‘The Bedsit Tapes’.
Soft Cell reunited once again in 2018 for what was promoted as a final reunion UK concert at The O2 in London. In 2022, they released their fifth studio album ‘Happiness Not Included’, after returning to performing live in 2021. The band completed their sixth studio album, ‘Danceteria’, named after the iconic 1980s New York nightclub, just days before Ball’s death. The album is set to be released in Spring 2026.
Beyond his Soft Cell fame, Dave was also one half of The Grid alongside Richard Norris. The duo enjoyed chart success in the 1990s, including with the hit ‘Swamp Thing’.
Richard Norris also paid tribute, stating: “Dave has been a huge part of my musical life for many years. Being in a duo with someone is different from being in a band: the bond is very tight. That’s how it was with us. We went through so many remarkable, extraordinary, life-affirming experiences together. Thank you, Dave. Thanks for the good times, the endless laughter, your unwavering friendship. Most of all, thank you for the music.”
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