Soft Cell's Dave Ball has died at the age of 66
Electronic music pioneer David James Ball, one half of groundbreaking electronic music duo Soft Cell and successful acid house act The Grid, has passed away aged 66.
Leading the tributes is his bandmate Marc Almond who writes: "It is hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally. 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...
He was a wonderfully brilliant musical genius and the pair of us have been on a journey together for almost 50 years. In the early days we were obnoxious and difficult, two belligerent art students who wanted to do things our way, even if it was the wrong way. We were naive and made mistakes, although we never really saw them as such. It was all just a part of the adventure. Dave and I were always a bit chalk-and-cheese, but maybe that’s why the chemistry between us worked so well.
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".
"Dave has been a huge part of my musical life for many years. Being in a duo with someone is different from being in a band: the bond is very tight. That's how it was with us. We went through so many remarkable, extraordinary, life-affirming experiences together. Thank you, Dave. Thanks for the good times, the endless laughter, your unwavering friendship. Most of all, thank you for the music," adds Richard Norris, The Grid.
Formed when electronic musician Dave Bell and singer Marc Almond were both art students at Leeds Polytechnic in 1979, Soft Cell helped to define the sound of British music in the 1980s and beyond. Their 1981 debut album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, changed the course of pop and paved the way for synth-based duos, including Yazoo, Eurythmics, Pet Shop Boys and Erasure.
In full tribute to Ball and his recent patch of songwriting and production, Soft Cell's upcoming releases will remain as scheduled. This includes a super deluxe reissue of Soft Cell's classic 1983 album The Art Of Falling Apart, a 6CD boxset complete with new remixes and dubs by Dave Ball, and the Martin EP.
David James Ball passed away peacefully in his sleep at his London home on Wednesday 22 October.
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