Dave Ball, synth-pop hitmaker as one half of Soft Cell, dies aged 66

The GuardianThursday, October 23, 2025 at 1:00:37 PM
Dave Ball, synth-pop hitmaker as one half of Soft Cell, dies aged 66
Dave Ball, the influential synth player and producer known for his work with Soft Cell, has passed away at the age of 66. He was a key figure in bringing synth-pop to a wider audience with hits like 'Tainted Love.' His contributions to music extended beyond Soft Cell, as he later found success with the dance project The Grid. Ball's death is a significant loss to the music community, as he played a vital role in shaping the sound of an era.
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