When the news broke which reached me first through the official mailing list it made me really sad. Following Soft Cell it was no secret that he had been fighting with his health for some time now. But it’s forever the same – you keep up the hope for a better future until it’s gone.
So… Soft Cell will go out on a high – with forthcoming mixes, versions, the long in the works deluxe version of ‘The Art Of Falling Apart’, various limited 12″ singles and their now really final Album ‘Danceteria’ which Dave finished only a short while ago for a release in 2026. Hopefully the announced expanded reissue of his 1983 solo Album ‘In Strict Tempo’ will appear sooner or later too.

In 2020 he published his memoir ‘Electronic Boy’ which is highly recommended, esp. as the picture of the quiet man behind the keyboards gets expanded in his larger view than being a part of Soft Cell – working with Cabaret Voltaire, Genesis P. Orridge / Psychic TV, Annie Hogan, Gavin Friday and The Virgin Prunes – his one off projects Other People, Ronnie B., English Boy On The Loveranch, plenty of guest appearences, remix and production work. And a bold step into the 90’s starting with the ‘Electric Head’ album leading to another career together with Richard Norris as The Grid.

I would like to use a very small quote which sums it up for me:

“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.”
Marc Almond, Soft Cell

The full and fitting orbiturary can be found at their homepage.