Dave Ball, the man who helped shape 1980s synth-pop, is dead at age 66.
The English musician, cofounder of pop duo Soft Cell best known for their 1981 best-selling single Tainted Love, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his London home on October 22, according to a statement shared on the band’s official website.
His bandmate Marc Almond confirmed the news in a moving Instagram tribute, accompanied by a blue-tinted photo of Ball with the text: “DAVE BALL 1959-2025.”
“It is hard to write this, let alone process it, but it is with the greatest sadness that the other half of Soft Cell, the wonderful brilliant musical genius David Ball, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night,” the post’s caption read.
Almond, 68, noted that Ball’s health had been “in a slow decline” for a few years but his “determined spirit” kept him working in the studio. Their final performance as Soft Cell was as soon as a few weeks ago at the Rewind festival, where they headlined to over 20,000 people, “after which [Ball] was elated and given an enormous boost.”
The British band’s upcoming sixth (and last) studio album is called Danceteria, set for release in spring of 2026.
For Almond, the album’s themes remind him of Soft Cell’s formation days in early 80s New York. He wrote, “We always felt we were an honorary American band as well as quintessentially British. We have always been self referential to the Soft Cell story and myths and this album in many ways will close that circle for us.”
Formed in 1979, Soft Cell became a defining sound of the 1980s with their synth-driven tracks. Their reimagined version of Tainted Love topped the UK charts in 1981 and remains a pop classic.
Ball’s influence stretched far beyond Soft Cell. He also helped pioneer acid house with The Grid and worked with artists including Kylie Minogue, David Bowie, and Erasure.
Almond ended his tribute simply: “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.”
