Dave Ball, the electronic music pioneer best known for his work with Soft Cell, has died at the age of 66.
The death of the musician, who continued to work alongside bandmate Marc Almond despite battling health issues in recent years, was confirmed in a statement on the band’s official website.
The Say Hello, Wave Goodbye hitmaker passed away peacefully in his sleep at his London home on Wednesday (October 22), it was confirmed, with Marc leading tributes, hailing Dave as “wonderfully brilliant musical genius” and “the heart and soul of Soft Cell”.
Revealing the duo had finished their next album, ‘Danceteria’, days prior to his passing, Marc shared: “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.”
The Bedsitter singer 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.”
Soft Cell formed in 1979 and released their debut album, ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret’, two years later, launching their most famous hit, Tainted Love, which was Britain’s best-selling single of 1981.
They released four more albums between 1983 and 2022, while Dave also appeared as one-half of the electronic duo The Grid alongside Richard Norris, and worked with artists such as David Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys and Erasure.
He is survived by his close family, including four children. ‘Danceteria’ is due in spring 2026.
