Soft Cell star Dave Ball dies aged 66

October 23, 2025 – Radio 854 Music News:

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of synth-pop pioneer Dave Ball, the instrumental half of the iconic duo Soft Cell. He died peacefully in his sleep at his London home on 22 October 2025, aged 66.

A defining voice in electronic music

Born David James Ball on 3 May 1959 in Chester and raised in Blackpool, he studied art at Leeds Polytechnic where he met vocalist Marc Almond and formed Soft Cell in 1979.

• The duo exploded into mainstream fame with their cover of Tainted Love in 1981, which reached number one in the UK and became a global hit.

• Their debut album, Non‑Stop Erotic Cabaret, went platinum, and they scored a string of hits through the early 80s.

• Beyond Soft Cell, Ball co-founded the electronic/acid-house outfit The Grid, and produced and remixed for artists across genres.

The end of an era—and new work on the horizon

Bandmate Marc Almond paid tribute, saying:

“He was a wonderfully brilliant musical genius… 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.”

According to reports, Ball had been focused and happy in recent months, having completed a new Soft Cell album just a few days before his passing.

Why this matters to Radio 854 listeners

For our audience at Radio 854, Ball’s passing is a moment to reflect on the impact of electronic music and synth-pop in shaping today’s soundscapes.

• Soft Cell’s stark, stylish synth lines helped bridge underground and pop culture.

• Ball’s work reminds us how the combination of art-school aesthetics, electronics and bold songwriting created enduring music.

• Whether you encountered their work in the 80s or discovered it later, Ball’s legacy lives on via those songs that still resonate.

Final thoughts

Dave Ball was more than half of a duo; he was a composer of moods, textures and moments. His music defined an era and continues to influence artists and listeners alike. As we remember him at Radio 854, we invite you to dive into Soft Cell’s catalogue—celebrate the electropop brilliance he brought into the world.