The music industry is grieving the loss of Dave Ball, the visionary behind synth-pop and one half of the legendary duo Soft Cell. Ball, who was 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his London residence on October 22, 2025. Marc Almond, his bandmate, confirmed the sad news, noting that Ball had been battling health issues for a prolonged period, with his condition gradually worsening over the years.

Despite facing significant health challenges, Ball triumphantly completed a new Soft Cell album titled “Danceteria” just before his passing. While he is best remembered for iconic tracks like “Tainted Love,” his personal life, especially his marriage, significantly influenced his artistic path.

Who Was Dave Ball Married To?

Dave Ball was married to Gini Hewes, a musician and violinist. Although the details of their relationship are kept private, their bond extended beyond personal ties to include professional collaboration.

After Soft Cell initially disbanded in 1984, the couple co-founded the band Other People. They also joined forces to write music for the stage production of “Suddenly Last Summer” and contributed to the experimental group Psychic TV. Even after their divorce, their creative partnership remained a significant aspect of Ball’s life and work.

Gini Hewes: The Musician Behind the Marriage

Gini Hewes, whose birth name is Virginia Ball, is an accomplished musician with a rich career. A trained violinist from the Royal College of Music, she was a founding member of the punk classical ensemble Humoresque.

Her extensive career includes collaborations with a diverse array of artists. She has toured and recorded with Siouxsie and the Banshees, worked alongside Nick Cave, and participated in Marc Almond’s project, Marc and the Mambas. As a violinist, singer, and composer, she has made a substantial impact in the music world, with her brother, Martin McCarrick, being a noted cellist.

Dave Ball’s Enduring Legacy and Family

Beyond his marriage to Hewes, Dave Ball’s personal life was centered around his family. He is survived by his four children and close family members.

His legacy in music is profound. From meeting Marc Almond at Leeds Polytechnic in 1977 to forming Soft Cell and creating the global phenomenon “Tainted Love,” Ball shaped the sound of a generation. His career continued to evolve with the successful dance project The Grid, known for the hit “Swamp Thing,” and his work as a producer for artists like Kylie Minogue and David Bowie.

Even after a severe fall in 2022 that left him with a broken back and a long recovery, his passion for music never wavered. His final live performance with Soft Cell was at the Rewind Festival in August 2025, where he headlined for over 20,000 people.

A Final Farewell from His Closest Collaborator

Marc Almond’s tribute paints a picture of a deep, decades-long friendship and creative partnership. He remembered Ball as a “wonderfully brilliant musical genius”.

Almond’s statement poignantly captured their bond: “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”. He also expressed his sorrow that Ball would not be there to celebrate their 50th anniversary, noting, “I wish he could have stayed on to celebrate 50 years in a couple of years’ time”.