Dave Ball was not some bloke in the background of Soft Cell – he drove their startling, subversive sound

The music world is mourning the loss of Dave Ball, the influential synth-pop musician known for his work with Soft Cell, who passed away at the age of 66. Ball was not just a background figure; he played a crucial role in shaping the band's unique sound, blending northern soul with innovative electronic music. His contributions helped define a generation of pop music, making their performances, especially their iconic debut on Top of the Pops, unforgettable. This loss is significant not only for fans of Soft Cell but for the entire music industry, as Ball's creativity and vision will be deeply missed.