Written by: Alex Green

Dave Ball, one half of the beloved synth pop outfit Soft Cell, has died.

The Blackpool-raised multi-instrumentalist who was 66, is said to have died at home in his sleep.

Ball was studying at Leeds Polytechnic in the mid-seventies when he met singer Marc Almond and the two went on to form Soft Cell, one of the most successful and sonically pioneering New Wave bands of all time.

Soft Cell’s first run lasted from 1978-1984 and they reunited to make new music in 2001.

Over the course of their winning career the band scored 12 top twenty singles and four top twenty albums.

In 1983 Ball put out the solo album In Strict Tempo, which featured guest appearances by Virginia Astley, Gavin Friday and Genesis P-Orridge.

Throughout the years Ball’s production and remix skills were put to use with everyone from David Bowie to Erasure to Kylie Minogue.

In tribute, Almond praised Ball as being, “a wonderfully brilliant musical genius.” He went on to write: “He was the heart and soul of Soft Cell and I’m very proud of our legacy…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’s new album Danceteria was recently completed and will be out in 2026.