Synthesizer player and music producer David Ball, a co-founder of the electronic music duo Soft Cell, left an estate valued at approximately £2.5 million, according to probate records. Ball died in October of an unspecified cause at the age of 66.
His will, signed in December 2022, details that his son James Ball and daughter Victoria Ball will each receive 30 percent of the estate. His other daughter, Georgina Alderson, and son, Elliott Stratford Ball, are each set to inherit 20 percent. Additionally, Ball made a specific bequest of £25,000 to his friend David Chambers.
Before deductions for debts and liabilities, which amounted to £842,791, Ball's estate was valued at £3,359,276. His death occurred just days after he completed what would be his final album with bandmate Marc Almond.
Ball and Almond formed Soft Cell in 1978 while students at Leeds Polytechnic. The band achieved significant success, particularly with their 1981 chart-topping cover of Gloria Jones's "Tainted Love." Other notable singles include "Bedsitter" and "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye."
Beyond Soft Cell, Ball also formed the dance act The Grid with producer Richard Norris. His career also included a solo album, "In Strict Tempo," released in 1983, and work on the soundtrack for the 1984 West German film "Decoder." He also contributed as a producer, songwriter, and remixer for artists such as Kylie Minogue, David Bowie, and the Pet Shop Boys.
Ball's health had been impacted by a fall at his London home in 2022, leading to persistent back problems. He performed his last gig in a wheelchair at the Rewind Festival in August 2023. Despite his health challenges, he remained prolific, with Soft Cell's seventh album, "Danceteria," completed shortly before his passing and scheduled for release next month. Bandmate Marc Almond described Ball as a "wonderfully brilliant musical genius" and credited him for a significant part of his own career success.
Soft Cell's manager, Chris Smith, noted Ball's energetic and prolific work in his final months, expressing shock at his death. Smith highlighted the excitement surrounding the new album and plans for a major tour in 2026, emphasizing Ball's respected status and unique sense of humor. Ball's record label, BMG, recognized his substantial impact on electronic music.
Ball's will also specified his wish to be cremated. Soft Cell, formed in 1978, had an initial run until 1984, reuniting in 2000 and releasing subsequent albums including "Happiness Not Included" in 2022.