Tribute to Dave Ball: ‘heart and soul’ of synth-pop pioneers Soft Cell

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Ball, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer who formed one half of the iconic synth-pop duo Soft Cell alongside Marc Almond.

The band will forever be associated with their 1981 global hit "Tainted Love," a cover of a song recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, which made history in electronic pop music and shaped an entire generation.

"“He was the heart and soul of Soft Cell and there was a deep mutual respect that gave our combined songwriting its unique power,” Almond said on the news of Ball’s death. “Whenever we came back together after long periods apart there was always that warmth and chemistry.”"

Thank you, Dave, for the music and the machines that changed the sound of the 80s. 

Read the obituary from The Times here.