Dear Soft Cell fans
It is hard to write this, let alone process it, but it is with the greatest sadness that the other half of Soft Cell, the wonderful brilliant musical genius David Ball, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday night. As many of you are aware, Dave has been ill for a long while and his health had been in slow decline over recent years.
Yet he always came back with a determined spirit to continue his work in the studio and, although he has been unable to travel abroad, he has still been able to perform with me as Soft Cell on occasions in the UK. His last appearance was at the Rewind festival a few weeks ago, where we headlined to over 20,000 people, after which he was elated and given an enormous boost.
We agreed to extend the Soft Cell family and he was always behind shows and festivals where he wasn't able to appear, he always had presence, his live role being taken by Philip Larsen, his co producer and friend, but it was Dave's music and preparation that was still at the heart of it and what audiences were hearing, Dave and Philip working closely together. Dave encouraged us to take the music out with his blessing.
It is most heartbreaking, particularly at this time, that Dave was in a great place emotionally, feeling focused and happy with the new album, Danceteria, that we literally had only just completed days ago. I listened to the complete album for the first time yesterday. It makes me so sad as this would have been a great uplifting year for him and I can take solace that he heard this finished record and felt it was a great piece of work. Dave's music is better than ever - his tunes, his hooks unmistakably Soft Cell. Yet he always took it to a different level.
The pair of us have been on a journey together heading on for 50 years with ups and downs, successes and failures, though to us it was never failure, just all part of the adventure, and it was one hell of an adventure. We were very obnoxious and difficult in the early days, two belligerent art students wanting to do things our way even if it was the wrong way. We were naive and we made mistakes. We have always been a bit 'chalk and cheese' as they say but that's maybe why the chemistry worked so well. When we came back together after long periods there was always the warmth and chemistry, deep respect for each other that gave a strength to our song writing together. We laughed a lot and shared a sense of humour and a love of films and books and, of course, music. Dave had piles of books that he read his way through, and wonderful and surprising musical references. He really was the heart of Soft Cell, I always really thought it was his baby. Whatever it was it just worked and I'm proud of our legacy and taking those breaks apart always kept the public interest going, we weren't around too much for people to get too tired of us.
It's fitting in many ways that the next (and now the last) album together is called Danceteria as the theme takes us for a visit back to almost the start of it all, back to New York in the early 80's, the place and time that really shaped us. We always felt we were an honorary American band as well as quintessentially British. We have always been self referential to the Soft Cell story and myths and this album in many ways will close that circle for us.
I wish he could have stayed on to celebrate 50 years in a couple of years time. He will always be loved by fans who loved his music. It's a cliche to say but it lives on and somewhere at any given time around the world someone listens to, plays, dances, and get's pleasure from a Soft Cell song - even if it's just that particular two and half minute epic.
My thoughts are with his family at this time.
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, October 2025
Please see the Soft Cell website for an extended tribute.
Marc will be guesting with Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson at their yearly Cathedral Charity shows in December. The shows will take place at Bath Abbey on 18 December, Peterborough Cathedral on 19 December and Southwark Cathedral on 20 December.
These festive shows raise money for the upkeep of these magnificent examples of architecture and sell out very quickly but there are some tickets available.
Tickets are available via the Jethro Tull website.
Marc is making a return to Billboard in Japan in January with two shows in Osaka on 6 January and Tokyo on 8 January.
Presale for Club BBL members starts at 12pm JST (4am BST) on 10 October.
Public sale stats at 12pm JST (4am BST) on 17 October.
For further information visit:
Osaka - https://www.billboard-live.com/osaka/show?event_id=ev-20921
Tokyo - https://www.billboard-live.com/tokyo/show?event_id=ev-20922
Soft Cell release their classic track Martin as a single for the very first time this Halloween. This special Dave Ball Halloween Dub Of Doom version features excerpts from the 1970s cult horror film Martin which originally inspired Marc and Dave to write the track at Leeds Polytechnic in 1980. It is a promo-only mix with a special video compiled by talented young producer Ewan McWilliam, who is also currently studying at Leeds Beckett University, formerly Leeds Polytechnic.
Originally featured as one side of a bonus 12" released as part of the original The Art of Falling Apart album, Martin has since become one of the most popular and enduring Soft Cell deep cuts. A mainstay of Soft Cell live shows since its original release, it remains a cult classic today, revered by alternative music fans and one of the biggest all-time dancefloor fillers of the Gothic movement. The new Dub Of Doom has been serviced to DJs and clubs around the world this week ahead of the upcoming Halloween season.
Martin will be released as a limited-edition deluxe black and red 12" vinyl single featuring four different mixes as well as a download EP across all digital platforms on Friday 31 October. It is available to order now from the Soft Cell store at softcell.co.uk
Martin also features in several versions as part of the upcoming super deluxe 6CD boxset reissue of the classic 1983 album The Art Of Falling Apart, which is also released on 31 October via Universal Music.
Enjoy the Halloween Dub Of Doom version and it's special video below:
The much anticipated reissue of the classic Soft Cell album The Art of Falling Apart will be released on 31 October 2025. Alongside the remastered original album will be extended versions, remixes and live rarities - a whopping 35 unreleased tracks! Available as a 6CD box set, double coloured vinyl LP and double CD versions there will additionally be limited edition 12" EP of Martin featuring Dave Ball's Halloween Mix.
Order yours now before they're gone from www.softcell.co.uk/product-category/music
This December The Loveless will be undertaking a mini tour taking in Hebden Bridge, Leeds, Liverpool and culminating with a return to the legendary 100 Club in London for their (almost) annual Christmas bop. Expect garage rock, rock 'n' roll and glam from 'Britain's best garage band'!
Featuring Marc Almond on vocals, Neal X on stun guitar, James Beaumont on keys and Iggy's former rhythm section Ben Ellis and Mat Hector it promises to be a night of sin drenched songs. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday. For ticket links see the Live page.
Following on from last week’s Soft Cell announcement, Marc has signed a new two album solo deal with Cherry Red and is currently recording the first of those albums. It is hoped it will see a release at the end of 2026. Marc has already had a very creative and successful period with Cherry Red and is happy to be back with a label that gives him complete control over his recordings. Cherry Red already own a substantial amount of Marc’s back catalogue.
Marc as a solo artist and Soft Cell have parted with their previous company BMG. The split is very amicable as BMG still own a chunk of Marc’s catalogue.
Marc says: “The option to stay with BMG was on the table but my time with major labels has come to an end as this next two years will see a wind down of recording new albums. I still have a couple of albums I’d like to record but then I’d like to concentrate on my back catalogue, curate it more and put it in order. An ordered domain on streaming is the future for my extensive nearly 50 year catalogue. I’ve loved being on BMG and working with some wonderful people there as well as making 4 critically well received albums, including Soft Cell, which I’m extremely proud of. We still have a good relationship but it’s time for a gentler path.”
The second album in the Cherry Red deal will be in Marc’s 70th year which he hopes will be a productive one.
An online portal is advertising a concert by Marc at Birmingham Symphony Hall on 16 September. Please be aware this is not true and you should not attempt to purchase tickets for it.
Marc says: "I love this! Beautifully made, Soft Cell and The Pet Shop Boys Purple Zone. Shame we didn't have this at the time of release. Thank you David Worth for the time and patience you’ve put into it. We love it."
Soft Cell sign a new deal with Republic Of Music for the next brand new studio album entitled ‘Danceteria’, after the famous 1980's New York nightclub, which is due for release in early 2026.
Both Marc Almond and Dave Ball have written and recorded the album. It is currently being mixed and will feature all new material apart from one cover version.
There will be future press releases leading up to the release.
Both Marc and Dave are excited to be writing and recording together again and they are inspired to be working with a new record label and one that gives them complete control.
Soft Cell play their only UK date this year, headlining the Rewind festival on Saturday 16 August. See Live page for details.
An announcement about Marc's solo career will be made next week.
A new section of the website has been launched to showcase some of Marc's collage artworks. Many of these artworks featured in the recent Deities And Demons Exhibition, some have been used as the artwork for various releases (for Marc as well as other artists) and others have been created as inspiration boards or personal projects. Some of these original artworks are available to purchase and there will soon be a selection of limited edition prints available. Take a look now at The Gallery.
The Loveless will be special guests of The Damned at their 50th Anniversary Show at Wembley Arena on 11 April 2026. General sale tickets go on sale on Friday, 27 June, but you can sign up for pre-sale tickets which are available from tomorrow at www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/the-damned/
Out now Soft Cell's classic 1982 remix EP Non Stop Ecstatic Dancing has been remastered and expanded. As well as the remastered version of the original, this release has been expanded with original 7" and 12" single versions along with a host of new remixes. Available on double coloured vinyl and double CD Book formats along with a variety of bundle formats which include postcards, T shirts and art prints, it is available to order now from www.softcell.co.uk/store
First Hand Experience Of Second Hand Love is being released on 12” deluxe red vinyl as a strictly limited edition of 500 copies. This four track vinyl features Mark Moore and Dan Donovan’s club remixes plus new extended mixes and dub and comes with a bonus 12” art print. All orders will also get a special download of First Hand Experience Of Second Hand Love emailed on the day of release.
Order now from: softcell.co.uk
A fantastic review of the Marc Almond and Soft Cell tour that is currently underway in Australia has appeared in the I-94 Bar.
You can read this great review by Robert Brokenmouth by clicking here.
This month in 1985 (8 April to be precise), Bronski Beat with Marc Almond released I Feel Love. Peaking at Number 3 in the UK Singles Chart, their version became a club and LGBTQ+ anthem, reinforcing the song’s queer legacy and its driven, pulsating NRG sound, remaining an influence on modern dance music to this day.
London Records are releasing a special 10 track single of I Feel Love, available on CD and Digitally.
Limited edition of 1000 singles, numbered in high gloss card wallet.
Features 7 versions of I Feel Love; the 3 original B sides, Puit D’Amour, The Potato Fields and Signs (And Wonders); 2 previously unheard/unreleased tracks: First Church (Feel More Love) and I Feel Love (Promo Dub Mix)
Available to order now from: https://bronskibeat.lnk.to/loveIB
A remastered version of of the video for I Feel Love can be seen at: https://youtu.be/UnDwCZ3aZ3k?si=83gmN8gfl7xy7hwq
Released on 25 April 2025 on Cherry Red/SFE will be an Expanded Edition of Marc and Michael Cashmore’s stellar collaboration Feasting With Panthers. Available as a double CD and double vinyl the restored album will also feature bonus tracks and a fold-out lyric sheet poster with the CD and two printed, full colour inner sleeves complete with lyrics and pictures with the vinyl.
Pre-order is availalbe now from: https://cherryred.co/FeastingWithPanthers
