What was Dave Ball's debut solo album? Career highlights explored as Soft Cell musician dies at 66

Dave Ball, whose full name was David James Ball, released his first solo album, In Strict Tempo, in 1983. Some of the artists he worked with on In Strict Tempo included Gavin Friday, Virginia Astley, and Genesis P-Orridge. As a solo artist, he has released only two studio albums. After a gap of more than three decades, 33 to be exact, Ball released his second studio album, Photosynthesis, with Jon Savage in 2016.

David James Ball is known for his synth-pop and new wave music. He was well known being a part of the synthpop duo called Soft Cell, which he co-founded with Marc Almond. The duo lasted for six years before they went their separate ways, but later reunited to release more music together. Dave Ball went on to form many short-lived bands throughout his music career.

Ball's death was announced on the official Soft Cell website. They shared that Dave passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 66 years old.

Dave Ball's career highlights

Dave Ball was considered to be an electronic music pioneer. He and Marc Almond founded Soft Cell when they were still studying at Leeds Polytechnic in 1979. According to the tribute,

"Soft Cell helped to define the sound of British music in the 1980s and beyond."

As a band, Dave and Marc released six studio albums. These include:

• Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (1981)
• The Art of Falling Apart (1983)
• This Last Night in Sodom (1984)
• Cruelty Without Beauty (2002)
• Happiness Not Included (2022)
• Happiness Now Completed (2024)

The last studio album was completed right before Ball passed away.

However, Soft Cell's journey was not smooth. The band initially broke up after six years, but reunited again in 2001, releasing the last three albums in their discography.

In between the years when Soft Cell was disbanded, Dave Ball went on to form new bands. He formed a new band with his then-wife, Gini Hewes, and Andy Astle, called Other People. They only released one song together called Have a Nice Day.

In the late 1980s, he founded another band with Nick Sanderson and Jamie Jones, called English Boy on the Loveranch. They released two hi-NRG songs, the first one being The Man in Your Life and Sex Vigilante.

He met Richard Norris while working with Psychic TV, and later formed The Grid with him.

15 years ago, he founded another band called Nitewreckage with three other members, including Celine Hispiche, Terry Neale, and Rick Mulhall. Their debut album was called Take Your Money and Run.

Ball also worked as a music producer, helping artists like Vicious Pink Phenomena, Virgin Prunes, and Ornamental. Later, he also worked with big artists such as Kylie Minogue, Gavin Friday, and Anni Hogan. He also created remixes for famous musicians, including David Bowie, Vanessa-Mae, and Erasure, usually working with Norris under The Grid.

Dave Ball will be remembered as a pioneer of electronic and synth-pop music who helped shape the sound of the 1980s. From co-founding Soft Cell to producing and collaborating with major artists, his creativity knew no bounds.

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