Dave Ball, the renowned synth-pop musician and one half of the iconic 1980s band Soft Cell, has passed away at the age of 66. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home in London on Wednesday. Ball was instrumental in shaping the synth-pop genre alongside his bandmate Marc Almond. The duo is best known for their chart-topping hit "Tainted Love," a cover of Gloria Jones's song, which became a defining track of the era. Marc Almond, 68, expressed his grief in a heartfelt tribute, describing Ball as a "wonderfully brilliant musical genius." He reflected on their recent work, stating, "It is hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally. He was focused and so happy with the new album that we literally completed only a few days ago." Almond continued, "He will always be loved by the Soft Cell fans who love his music and his music and memory will live on. At any given moment, someone somewhere in the world will be getting pleasure from a Soft Cell song. 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." Soft Cell formed in the late 1970s and quickly became pioneers of the synth-pop sound that dominated the 1980s music scene. Their debut album, "Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret," achieved platinum status in the UK and featured other hits such as "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye" and "Torch." As news of Ball's passing spreads, tributes continue to pour in from fans and fellow musicians alike, celebrating his significant contributions to music. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. This breaking news story is being updated, and more details will be published shortly. Readers are encouraged to refresh the page for the latest information.