Dave Ball, the talented keyboardist known for his work with the British synth-pop duo Soft Cell and their iconic track “Tainted Love,” has passed away at the age of 66.
His longtime collaborator, Marc Almond, announced the news on Facebook, stating that Ball died “peacefully in his sleep” on October 21. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Almond shared, “As many of you are aware, Dave has been ill for a long while and his health had been in slow decline over recent years. Yet he always came back with a determined spirit to continue his work in the studio.”
Despite his health challenges, Ball kept performing in the UK when possible, with his last appearance occurring in August at the Rewind Festival near Henley-on-Thames, where he played to an audience of 20,000 fans from a wheelchair.
The BBC reported that Ball had suffered a spinal fracture, cracked five ribs, and broken his wrist two years ago. He also faced pneumonia and sepsis, spending months in an induced coma.
Nevertheless, the innovative producer continued to create music. Almond revealed that the duo had just completed a new album, “Danceteria,” just days before Ball’s passing.
In his tribute, Almond reflected, “The pair of us have been on a journey together heading on for 50 years with ups and downs, successes and failures, though to us it was never failure, just all part of the adventure, and it was one hell of an adventure. 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, which formed in 1978, rose to international fame with their 1981 album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret and the hit single “Tainted Love,” a cover of Gloria Jones’ 1964 R&B song. The single sold over 20 million copies, establishing Ball’s synth-driven sound as a hallmark of the new wave genre.
The band’s website confirmed Ball’s death, stating he passed away “peacefully in his sleep” at his London home, with the date listed as October 22. The statement expressed, “Dave’s passing is announced with great sadness and affection for this gregarious, warm-hearted man of many musical talents. Dave is survived by his close family including his four children. We would like to respect Dave Ball’s family’s privacy at this very sad time.”
Musician Richard Norris, who partnered with Ball in the electronic duo The Grid, also paid tribute, saying, “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.”
Norris added, “Thank you, Dave. Thanks for the good times, the endless laughter, your unwavering friendship. Most of all, thank you for the music.”
