Dave Ball, the talented electronic musician renowned as one half of the iconic 1980s band Soft Cell, has passed away at the age of 66. His death occurred on Wednesday, shortly after he and his musical partner, Marc Almond, completed a new Soft Cell album.
Soft Cell, formed in the late 1970s, carved out a unique niche in the synth-pop genre, achieving significant acclaim with hit songs like their chart-topping cover of Gloria Jones’s “Tainted Love,” as well as “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” and “Torch.” Almond, who is now 68, paid tribute to Ball, hailing him as a “wonderfully brilliant musical genius.” He expressed that their dynamic, despite their differences, was special and enduring, remaining vibrant even after long periods apart.
“It is hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally,” Almond remarked. “He was focused and so happy with the new album that we literally completed only a few days ago… He will always be loved by the Soft Cell fans who appreciate his music, and his legacy will continue to resonate across the globe.”
Soft Cell’s debut album, “Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret,” released in 1981, is widely regarded as one of the decade’s most significant records. Following the release of three albums in a short span, the duo parted ways in 1984 but reunited in 2000 for a fourth album titled “Cruelty Without Beauty.” Their latest album, “Happiness Not Included,” was released in 2022, and they recently completed their sixth studio album, “Danceteria,” which is set to be released in spring 2024, dedicated to Ball and his prolific recent work.
Ball’s final performance with Soft Cell took place at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames just weeks before his passing. In addition to his work with Soft Cell, Ball gained recognition as part of the acid house act The Grid, alongside Richard Norris, achieving success in the 1990s with hits like “Swamp Thing.”
Norris remembered Ball fondly, stating, “Dave has been a huge part of my musical life for many years. The bond in a duo is very tight, and we shared many remarkable experiences.” Chris Smith, Ball’s manager, described him as a “genial, larger-than-life character,” emphasizing his creative drive in recent months and how much he was loved by fans and colleagues alike.
Ball, who collaborated with major artists including David Bowie, Kylie Minogue, and the Pet Shop Boys, is survived by his family, including his four children. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark, and while the industry mourns his loss, his creative legacy will continue to inspire future generations.