Dave Ball, synth-pop hitmaker as one half of Soft Cell, dies aged 66

Synth player and producer had huge success with Tainted Love and other Soft Cell hits, and later returned to UK Top 10 with dance project the Grid

Dave Ball, who as one half of Soft Cell brought dark, cutting-edge synth-pop to the masses, has died aged 66.

Representatives for the musician said he “passed away peacefully in his sleep at his London home on Wednesday”. No cause of death was given.