Dave Ball performing with Soft Cell.

Soft Cell Keyboardist Dave Ball Passes Away at 66 | AI News Digest

Published: October 23, 2025, 8:26 p.m. Music Neutral

Dave Ball, the renowned keyboardist of the influential synth-pop duo Soft Cell, has died at the age of 66. Ball played a pivotal role in shaping the band's distinctive sound and was key to the success of their renowned track "Tainted Love," which achieved global sales exceeding 21 million copies. His family revealed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in London on October 22. Although he faced serious health issues in recent years, including an extended hospital stay, Ball had recently finished working on a new album with Marc Almond, scheduled for release in 2026. Almond expressed heartfelt appreciation for Ball's musical legacy and their lasting partnership, emphasizing the strong emotional connection they developed throughout their careers.

Soft CellDave BallTainted Lovesynth-popmusic news