The synth-pop community is deeply saddened by the loss of David Ball, co-founder of the iconic duo Soft Cell, who has passed away at the age of 66. Known for shaping a generation with his electronic soundscapes, Ball’s music left a lasting legacy in the world of pop and electronic music.

The news was confirmed through the band’s official website, shortly after his final live performance at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames, where he performed in front of thousands of fans. His creative partner and longtime collaborator, Marc Almond, honored him as a “wonderfully brilliant musical genius.”

Ball and Almond met in 1979 at Leeds Polytechnic, where their artistic connection led to the creation of Soft Cell. Their debut album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, released in 1981, featured the global hit “Tainted Love,” which topped charts in 17 countries and became one of the most influential tracks of the decade.

David Ball was celebrated for his innovative studio techniques and passion for electronic experimentation. His work helped inspire future artists in the synth-pop genre and beyond. According to the official announcement, he passed away peacefully at his home in London on October 22.