Soft Cell's Dave Ball has died aged 66

Soft Cell member Dave Ball has died at the age of 66.

His death was confirmed by the band on Thursday, with a statement by the groups other member Marc Almond.

"It is hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally. He was focused and so happy with the new album that we literally completed only a few days ago," said Almond.

"It’s so sad as 2026 was all set to be such an uplifting year for him, and I take some solace from the fact that he heard the finished record and felt that it was a great piece of work."

"Dave’s music is better than ever. His tunes and hooks are still unmistakably Soft Cell, yet he always took it to the next level too. He was a wonderfully brilliant musical genius and the pair of us have been on a journey together for almost 50 years."

The news of Ball's death came weeks after Soft Cells' performance at Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames.

"We laughed a lot, and shared a sense of humour, and a love of film, books and music," continued Almond.

"Dave had shelves full of books and an array of wonderful and surprising musical references. He was the heart and soul of Soft Cell and I’m very proud of our legacy."

The electronic duo formed in 1978 and were at the forefront of synth pop, which gained wide popularity in the 1980s.

The group's debut album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret came out in 1981 and was one of the most acclaimed albums of the decade.

The duo split in 1984 after the release of their third album This Last Night In Sodom. 

They reunited in 2000, releasing their fourth album in 2002 and fifth in 2022.

The sixth record Danceteria was finished just before Ball's death and is set to release next year.

The artist put out his first solo album In Strict Tempo in 1983. Ball was also a producer, songwriter and remixer for artists including Kylie Minogue, David Bowie and Pet Shop Boys.

"He will always be loved by the Soft Cell fans who love his music and his music and memory will live on. At any given moment, someone somewhere in the world will be getting pleasure from a Soft Cell song," added Almond.

"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."