David Ball, the non-singing half of groundbreaking Eighties synth duo Soft Cell , best remembered for their 1981 New Wave classic “Tainted Love,” has died. He was 66.

Ball died in his sleep of unknown causes on October 22.

“He will always be loved by the Soft Cell fans who love his music and his music and memory will live on,” Soft Cell singer Marc Almond said in a statement. “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.”

When Soft Cell initially dissolved in the mid-Eighties, Ball formed the electronic dance group the Grid alongside Richard Norris. They created the global hit “Swamp Thing” in 1994.

“Dave has b

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