Soft Cell co-founder Dave Ball died at the age of 66 on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, just days after completing work on his final musical project. The legendary electronic musician finished the duo’s sixth studio album, Danceteria, shortly before his passing. Bandmate Marc Almond confirmed the sad news, sharing that Ball was in a great place emotionally and happy with the finished record, providing some solace.
The forthcoming sixth studio album is named after the iconic New York nightclub where the duo found inspiration in the 1980s. Almond announced that the new record, featuring the unmistakable Soft Cell sound, will be released in Spring 2026 as a full tribute to Ball’s musical legacy. Dave Ball Soft Cell final album showcases the producer’s continued genius, which he brought to all their chart-topping hits, including “Tainted Love.”
Almond’s emotional tribute lauded his partner as a “wonderfully brilliant musical genius,” recognizing their nearly fifty-year journey together. While Ball’s health had been in decline, his dedication remained, as he performed his final gig with Soft Cell just weeks ago, headlining the Rewind Festival. The knowledge that the Dave Ball Soft Cell final album was complete brings comfort.
Danceteria, the Dave Ball Soft Cell final album, closes the creative circle for the pioneering synth-pop duo. Though the loss is heartbreaking, his musical memory will live on through this final piece of work and the enduring catalog he created. The scheduled 2026 release will now serve as an essential and moving coda to the Soft Cell story.
