Dave Ball was a British versatile musician, he expanded his musical horizons beyond Soft Cell by co-founding the electronic duo The Grid in the early 1990s. Alongside Richard Norris, Ball achieved success with tracks like “Swamp Thing,” which showcased his adaptability and continued relevance in the evolving electronic music scene. The duo’s debut album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, in 1981, released was a commercial success and is considered a classic of the synth-pop era. Ball’s innovative approach to music production and his distinctive sound have left an indelible mark on the music industry. His collaborations with artists such as Kylie Minogue and David Bowie further cemented his status as a sought-after producer and remixer.
Birth Name
David James Ball
Nickname
David
Profession
Electronic Musician and Producer
Genre
Synth-Pop, New Wave
Instruments
Keyboards, Synthesiser, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Labels
Some Bizzare
Nationality
British
Personal Life
Birthday / Date of Birth
He was born on the 3rd of May 1959, in Chester, Cheshire, England.
Died
He was died on the 22nd of October 2025 (aged 66), in London, England.
Sun Sign
Taurus
Ethnicity
White
Religion
Christianity
Education
Ball’s educational journey included formal studies in graphic design and art at Leeds Polytechnic. While there, he became exposed to the emerging electronic music scene, experimenting with synthesizers and recording equipment. This combination of artistic and technical training helped shape his innovative musical style.
Family Details
Dave dedicated to preserving a considerable level of privacy concerning his personal life on social media, he intentionally avoids revealing the identities or showcasing the faces of his parents and siblings.
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
- In feet –6 feet 2 inches
- In centimeters – 188 cm
- In meters – 1.88 m
Weight
- In Kilograms – 75 kg
- In Pounds – 165 lbs
Body Measurements
N/A
Body Build
Slim
Eye Color
Blue
Hair Color
Blonde
Shoe Size
He wears a size 11 (US) shoe.
Sexuality
Straight
Professional Statistics
Famous For
Ball is best known as the pioneering electronic musician and co-founder of the iconic synth-pop duo Soft Cell, whose 1981 hit “Tainted Love” became a worldwide sensation. His innovative use of synthesizers and production techniques helped define the sound of 1980s synth-pop, earning him international recognition and a lasting legacy in electronic music.
Singing Debut
In the late 1970s, Ball’s first experience as a singer occurred during the formation of Soft Cell, where he provided occasional vocals in addition to his signature synthesizer work. His vocal contributions, though limited compared to Marc Almond, were part of the band’s early recordings and live performances, helping to shape the group’s distinctive sound.
Television Debut
In the early 1980s, 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
- Ball grew up in Blackpool, England, where he developed an early fascination with both visual arts and electronic music.
- Studying art and design at Leeds Polytechnic helped him merge visual creativity with sound design, a hallmark of his career.
- Ball rose to fame as co-founder of Soft Cell, producing landmark hits such as “Tainted Love” that remain iconic today.
- Beyond performance, he was a master of synthesizer programming, often creating sounds that defined the 1980s electronic era.
- He co-founded The Grid with Richard Norris, further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to electronic innovation.
- Ball contributed to the works of famous artists like Kylie Minogue and David Bowie, often adding his signature electronic touch.
- Dave was one of the first musicians to embrace digital music production, influencing the workflow of modern electronic artists.
- His innovative approach to song arrangement, production, and performance helped inspire future generations of electronic musicians.
- Ball’s legacy endures as a pioneering figure in synth-pop and electronic music, remembered for his creativity, technical skill, and dedication to his craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dave Ball?
He was a pioneering British electronic musician and producer, best known as the co-founder of the iconic synth-pop duo Soft Cell, whose innovative use of synthesizers helped define the sound of 1980s electronic music.
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.