Soft Cell star Dave Ball has died at the age of 66, the band confirmed. The electronic musician passed away peacefully in his sleep at his London home on Wednesday—just days after he and longtime bandmate Marc Almond completed what is now the duo’s final album.
Paying tribute, Marc Almond said it was “hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally.” He added that Ball “was focused and so happy with the new album that we literally completed only a few days ago,” and that 2026 “was all set to be such an uplifting year for him.” Almond took comfort that Ball “heard the finished record and felt that it was a great piece of work,” calling him “a wonderfully brilliant musical genius.”
Reflecting on their partnership, Almond recalled their near-50-year journey from art-school outsiders to chart stormers: “In the early days we were obnoxious and difficult, two belligerent art students who wanted to do things our way… Dave and I were always a bit chalk and cheese, but maybe that’s why the chemistry between us worked so well.” He said their reunions always rekindled “warmth and chemistry,” with a “deep mutual respect” powering their songwriting. “He was the heart and soul of Soft Cell and I’m very proud of our legacy.”
Just weeks before his death, Ball joined Almond on stage for what has become his final live performance at Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames.
Ball formed Soft Cell with Almond after meeting at Leeds Polytechnic in 1979. The duo scored a run of defining synth-pop hits, including their era-shaping cover of Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love,” plus “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye,” “Torch” and more—paving the way for future electronic duos such as Pet Shop Boys, Yazoo and Eurythmics.
Beyond Soft Cell, Ball released the solo album In Strict Tempo and became a sought-after producer, songwriter and remixer, collaborating with the likes of Kylie Minogue, David Bowie and Pet Shop Boys. He also enjoyed 1990s chart success as one half of The Grid with Richard Norris, best known for the hit “Swamp Thing.” Norris remembered him fondly: “Dave has been a huge part of my musical life… Thank you, Dave… for the good times, the endless laughter, your unwavering friendship. Most of all, thank you for the music.”
Soft Cell reunited multiple times—most notably for a “final” 2018 O2 London show—before returning with their fifth studio album Happiness Not Included in 2022. The band had just completed their sixth, Danceteria (named after the iconic 1980s New York nightclub), slated for release in spring 2026.
As Almond summed up: “He will always be loved by the Soft Cell fans who love his music and his music and memory will live on… 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.”
