Dave Ball R.I.P. [1959 - 2025]

Dave Ball, legendary keyboard player and producer of Soft Cell has died at the age of 66.

His fellow band member, Marc Almond paid tribute: “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”.

Soft Cell’s debut album Non Stop Erotic Cabaret was a favourite of mine for many, many years. I must have devoured every song, album, 12” remix and remix collection a dozen times and never tired of their sleazy, dark and emotional synth pop music. They were pioneers in so many ways and to say they were an influence on both members of Freudstein would be an understatement. While Marc Almond may have been the front man, Dave Ball’s songwriting, production and analogue synthesis skills meant than no one else sounded like Soft Cell. And they never will.

In a strange twist of fate, the duo recently completed a new Soft Cell album entitled Danceteria days before Ball’s death, and is due for release in 2026.

Rest In Peace and thanks for all the music.