Dave Ball was a British producer and electronic musician best known as one half of the synth-pop duo Soft Cell, alongside vocalist Marc Almond. He also co-founded The Grid, and collaborated with artists and producers including Ingo Vauk and Chris Braide. Active from the late 1970s, Ball worked across a range of projects in electronic and experimental music. He is usually credited as Dave Ball on record sleeves. Ball also worked as a producer, with Vicious Pink Phenomena (who started as a backing duo for early Soft Cell), the Virgin Prunes and the Rose McDowall side-project Ornamental in the 1980s, and later with Kylie Minogue, Gavin Friday and Anni Hogan.
Personal Life
Birthday / Date of Birth
He was born on the 3rd of May 1959, in Chester, Cheshire, England.
| Birth Name | David James Ball |
| Nickname | David |
| Date of Birth | 3rd of May 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Chester, Cheshire, England |
| Died | 22nd of October 2025 (aged 66), in London, England. |
| Sun Sign | Taurus |
| Profession | Electronic Musician and Producer |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
Genre
Synth-Pop, New Wave
Instruments
Keyboards, Synthesiser, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Labels
Some Bizzare
Education
Dave studied at Arnold School. He attended Leeds Polytechnic, focusing on art and design, which nurtured his creative instincts. Alongside his studies, he explored electronic music and synthesizer technology, laying the groundwork for his future collaborations with Marc Almond in Soft Cell and other musical projects.
Family Details
Ball is dedicated to maintaining his privacy on social media, especially when it comes to his personal life. He chooses not to disclose the identities of his parents or siblings and refrains from sharing their names or showing their faces online.
Marital Status
Single
Girlfriend / Spouse
Dave Ball has dated –
Ball’s personal relationships were rarely discussed in interviews or media reports. His private approach meant that little is known about whether he married, and he consistently kept the spotlight on his musical career rather than his private life.
Physical Statistics
| Height |
|
| Weight |
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| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Body Build | Average |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
| Dress Size | N/A |
| Sexuality | Straight |
Professional Statistics
Famous For
Ball is renowned for his contributions to electronic music, particularly as a keyboardist, songwriter, and producer. From pioneering synth-pop with Soft Cell to producing and remixing tracks for various artists, he became a defining figure in modern electronic and pop music, admired for his creativity and technical skill. He gained fame not only through Soft Cell but also as a founding member of the electronic duo The Grid, achieving chart success in the 1990s with hits like “Swamp Thing.”
As a Singer
Dave gained fame as a keyboardist and electronic music producer, his vocal debut came with Soft Cell during their initial recordings and live shows in the late 1970s. Though his role was mostly instrumental, his backing vocals and musical arrangements contributed to the band’s early identity and success.
Television Debut
In 1980, Ball made his television debut with appearances alongside Soft Cell on music programs such as the BBC’s Top of the Pops and other UK music shows.
Dave Ball Net worth
Dave Ball has an estimated net worth of $8 million dollars as of 2025.
Social Media Profiles
- Instagram – softcellhq
Some Lesser Known Facts About Dave Ball
- David was born in Chester, Cheshire, England, later adopted and brought up in Blackpool, where he developed an early fascination with both visual arts and electronic music.
- He studied at Arnold School before studying art at Leeds Polytechnic, where he met Marc Almond; they formed the synthpop duo Soft Cell in 1978, the band lasting until 1984.
- After Soft Cell disbanded, Ball formed a new band, Other People with his then-wife Gini Hewes (who previously worked with Almond in Marc and the Mambas) and Andy Astle, but they released only one single, “Have a Nice Day”.
- He co-founded The Grid with Richard Norris, further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to electronic innovation.
- Ball also worked as a producer, with Vicious Pink Phenomena (who started as a backing duo for early Soft Cell), the Virgin Prunes and the Rose McDowall side-project Ornamental in the 1980s, nd later with Kylie Minogue, Gavin Friday and Anni Hogan.
- Throughout his career, he prioritized music over publicity, keeping personal and family life largely private.
- Dave was one of the first musicians to embrace digital music production, influencing the workflow of modern electronic artists.
- Ball’s innovative approach to song arrangement, production, and performance helped inspire future generations of electronic musicians.
- His contributions have cemented him as a key figure in electronic music history, both in the UK and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dave Ball?
He was a pioneering British electronic musician and producer, best known as one half of the influential synth-pop duo Soft Cell. In 1979, He formed Soft Cell with Marc Almond.
What is the real name of Dave Ball?
His real name is David James Ball.
What is the age of Dave Ball?
He is 66 years old (3rd of May 1959).
What is Dave Ball Height?
The Height of Dave is 1.88 m (6′2”).
What is Dave Ball Weight?
The Weight of Ball is 75 kg (165 lbs).
What is the Net worth of Dave Ball?
He has an estimated net worth of $8 million dollars as of 2025.
Why is Dave Ball Famous?
He famously recognized for co-founding the synth-pop duo Soft Cell and the electronic duo The Grid, pioneering synthesizer-based music that defined 1980s and 1990s electronic music.