Soft Cell’s Dave Ball Dead at 66 – Cause of Death Confirmed

Dave Ball, one of the founding members of the British synth-pop group Soft Cell, has passed away at 66. The sad news was confirmed by his longtime bandmate and singer Marc Almond, who said that Ball died peacefully in his sleep at his home in London on October 21.

Almond shared the news in a heartfelt message to fans, describing Ball as a “wonderful brilliant musical genius.” He said it was difficult to find the words to express his loss, calling Ball not just a bandmate but a huge part of his life.

According to Almond, Ball had been dealing with health issues for several years, and his condition had slowly declined. Still, he never gave up his love for music. Even when he couldn’t travel anymore, he kept working in the studio and managed to perform again with Almond in the UK.

“He had been ill for a long while and his health had been in slow decline over recent years,” Almond wrote, adding that Ball showed incredible determination to keep creating music.

Fans around the world know Dave Ball for helping shape Soft Cell’s signature electronic sound, especially through their global hit “Tainted Love.” The song became one of the biggest tracks of the 1980s and remains a dance classic to this day.

Reflecting on Ball’s legacy, Almond said his music will always live on. “He will always be loved by fans who loved his music,” he wrote. “Somewhere at any given time around the world, someone listens to, plays, dances, and gets pleasure from a Soft Cell song.”

Almond ended his message with a personal note of gratitude. “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,” he said.

Dave Ball’s passing marks the end of an era for synth-pop fans and music lovers who grew up with Soft Cell’s sound.

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