Dave Ball — the keyboard wizard behind the British synth-pop duo Soft Cell and their smash hit “Tainted Love” — has died at 66.His longtime bandmate Marc Almond broke the news Thursday on Facebook, saying Ball passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on Oct. 21. No cause of death was revealed.
“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,” Almond wrote. “Yet he always came back with a determined spirit to continue his work in the studio.”
Despite health struggles, Ball continued performing in the UK when he could. His final show came in August at the Rewind Festival outside Henley-on-Thames, where he played before 20,000 fans — from a wheelchair.
According to the BBC, Ball fractured part of his spine, cracked five ribs, and broke his wrist two years ago. He later battled pneumonia and sepsis and spent months in an induced coma.
Even so, the pioneering producer kept creating. Almond revealed the duo had just finished a new album, “Danceteria,” days before Ball’s death.
“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,” Almond wrote in his tribute. “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 Ball, who served as half of the English synth-pop duo Soft Cell (Marc Almond/Facebook)
Soft Cell — formed in 1978 — exploded onto the global music scene with their 1981 album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret and its breakout hit “Tainted Love,” a cover of Gloria Jones’ 1964 R&B tune. The single sold over 20 million copies and made Ball’s synth-driven sound a new wave staple.
The group’s website confirmed Ball’s passing “peacefully in his sleep” at his London home, listing the date as Oct. 22. “Dave’s passing is announced with great sadness and affection for this gregarious, warm-hearted man of many musical talents,” the statement read. “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.”
Fellow musician Richard Norris — Ball’s partner in the electronic duo The Grid — also paid tribute. “Dave has been a huge part of my musical life for many years,” Norris said. “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,” Norris added. “Most of all, thank you for the music.”
