Dave Ball of Soft Cell Passes Away at 66

Dave Ball, co-founder of the iconic electronic band Soft Cell, has died in his sleep at his home in London. He was 66.

The band shared that Ball “passed away peacefully” just days after finishing their sixth studio album, titled “Danceteria.” His most recent performance occurred a few weeks back at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames, where he played to a crowd of over 20,000.

Singer Marc Almond, who collaborated with Ball for nearly five decades, honored him as a “wonderful and brilliant musical genius” in a tribute posted online.

The statement from the band highlighted how Soft Cell significantly influenced British music since the 1980s. Their debut album, “Non Stop Erotic Cabaret,” released in 1981, revolutionized pop music and led to a surge of synth-driven groups like Yazoo, Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys, and Erasure, with a darker twist.

The second single from that album, “Tainted Love,” paired with “Where Did Our Love Go,” topped charts in 17 countries and became the best-selling single in the UK in 1981.

Almond expressed his disbelief at Ball’s sudden passing, noting that he was in a great mental space, thrilled about the completion of their new album just before his death. “This is really hard for me to write, let alone absorb,” he shared.

Almond emphasized that Ball’s music will keep resonating with fans everywhere. “He will always be loved by Soft Cell fans, and his music and memory will endure. At any moment, somewhere in the world, someone will find joy in a Soft Cell song,” he reflected.

Expressing gratitude, he said, “Dave, thank you for being such a huge part of my life and for the music you’ve given me. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Beyond his work with Soft Cell, Ball enjoyed a successful career as a songwriter, producer, and remixer. He co-wrote and co-produced Kylie Minogue’s album “Impossible Princess,” which featured hits like “Breath” and “Some Kind of Bliss,” while collaborating with other notable artists like David Bowie, Pet Shop Boys, and Erasure.

Ball leaves behind four children and other family members. His impact on music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.