The pop music world mourns the unforeseen passing of an ’80s legend. David Ball, one half of the popular duo Soft Cell, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night, according to bandmate Marc Almond.
“It is hard to write this, let alone process it, but it is with the greatest sadness that the other half of Soft Cell, the wonderful brilliant musical genius David Ball, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night,” Almond shared. “As many of you are aware, Dave has been ill for a long while and his health had been in slow decline over recent years.”
Soft Cell is best known for their iconic cover of Gloria Jones’ “Tainted Love,” one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. In addition to being a massive worldwide success, Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” served as the basis for Marilyn Manson’s 2001 cover of the track and was famously sampled in Rihanna’s 2006 hit “SOS.”
While often considered a one-hit wonder in the U.S., Soft Cell maintained a huge and loyal following in the U.K. The duo have reunited for numerous tours over the years, including dates as recent as this past year.
In his heartfelt tribute, Almond lauded Ball’s “determined spirit” despite his illness and revealed that they had recently completed a new album titled *Danceteria*. Ball had also planned to continue performing U.K. shows with Soft Cell, having played his final concert at the Rewind Festival England on August 16.
“It is most heartbreaking, particularly at this time, that Dave was in a great place emotionally, feeling focused and happy with the new album, *Danceteria*, that we literally had only just completed days ago,” Almond wrote. “I listened to the complete album for the first time yesterday. It makes me so sad as this would have been a great uplifting year for him, and I can take solace that he heard this finished record and felt it was a great piece of work.”
He continued, “Dave’s music is better than ever — his tunes, his hooks unmistakably Soft Cell. Yet he always took it to a different level.”
Almond concluded his tribute with a touching message: “My thoughts are with his family at this time. 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.”
Read Almond’s full tribute to Ball below.
https://popculture.com/music/news/80s-music-legend-dies-in-his-sleep-david-ball-was-66/
