In a 2019 interview, Dave Ball stated of Soft Cell's origins: "We were into bands that were confrontational and challenging like Suicide. We were trying to make a pop version of that. We were not quite as confrontational as them, but we had the same heart and spirit." And so it came to pass that a first Soft Cell cover version of the Suicide song Ghost Rider was worked on in 1983 and was frequently featured live in concerts at that time, often with guest vocals from JG Thirlwell.
Forward to 2026 and a collaborative Soft Cell and JG Thirlwell strictly limited edition 12" single contains five dramatic and compelling new remixes by JG Thirlwell (Foetus) of a recent rework of the song. These all new versions get their exclusive first release on this 12" single and all are infused with an unbridled electro-punk energy and a signature industrial percussive force that enhances the sensibility of Suicide's evocative lyrics. Lyrics married to remixes with a dramatic throttling velocity that serve as if a propellant to the borderline fetishistic narrative of the track. The whole package acts out as if an expose of the rotting underbelly of the American dream.
The combination of Soft Cell and JG Thirlwell is a skilful synthesis of Marc’s left-field synth-pop origins and JG Thirlwell's industrial energy and melodic angst. The deft punctuating saxophony of leading session player, and member of Soft Cell’s touring band, Gary Barnacle weaves its own frisson of layered noir. JG Thirlwell said "I felt I’d like to remix the song in a re-invented, driving and cinematic version and Marc and Dave liked the idea. The Camshaft mix has a more electro bent, while the Brake Caliper mix started with the idea of using a reggaeton rhythm and ended up as a cinematic tour-de-force."
With a sleeve designed by JG Thirlwell, this limited edition 5-track, 33rpm, 12" single is pressed on an evocative blood red and black swirly vinyl and is available exclusively from Cherry Red
A new video for the Accelertor Mix by the wonderful Vicki Bennett has also been created and can be seen below
Soft Cell will be returning to the USA for some more live dates later this year. The Wave To America Tour starts on 8 November. Full details of dates, venues, ticket links and pre-sale passwords are available on the Live Dates page.
Soft Cell are delighted the new Luv Foundation club mix of Danceteria has entered the Cool Cuts Dance Chart at number 17.
Soft Cell announce the new single, In Heaven (When I Dance With You), a feel good, poppy second cut from their final album, Danceteria.
Released today, the single is available from https://republicofmusic.lnk.to/0RNqXH
Danceteria, the final album, is available for pre-order now on vinyl, CD and digital from: https://republicofmusic.lnk.to/5oo2Fv
Luv Foundation (UK) have put a great electronic house twist on Soft Cell’s new single, Danceteria. This is the single edit and it’s also available in full vocal version, extended and dub.
It's already out there getting a great response in clubland and will be available on streaming from 15 July. Download and vinyl information will be on my website this coming week.
Thanks once again to Vicki Bennett for the great video.
Danceteria, the final album from Soft Cell, will be released on 25 September 2026 via Republic of Music. Today sees the release of the first single, the title track, Danceteria, and you can watch the dazzling, discotastic video on the front page of the website. The single is available to purchase now from: https://republicofmusic.lnk.to/danceteria
The final album is both a love letter to early 80s New York and a tribute to the late, great Dave Ball. The album is available to pre-order now on vinyl, CD and digital from: https://republicofmusic.lnk.to/5oo2Fv
Out Come The Freaks is the first teaser from the forthcoming Soft Cell album, Danceteria, and is released today. Featuring the legendary Nona Hendryx the digital track can be downloaded now at https://lnk.to/PLFXoM
Soft Cell will be taking part in Record Store Day on 18 April 2026. The release will be a 12" white vinyl featuring three mixes of Danceteria (Mark Moore Mix, Extended Mix and Dub), the title track from the forthcoming album.
Marc says "It is always exciting being part of Record Store Day. Perhaps it is because I am of that certain age where vinyl holds such special memories. And because it is the title track of our new album, Danceteria, which Dave Ball worked so extensively on and completed just prior to his passing. The Mark Moore mix is really special to me and I wanted to thank him personally for doing it - he really understands the references and brings them out brilliantly."
Chris Braide has recorded a wonderful version of Where The Heart Is. It is available now from his Bandcamp along with extended and piano versions.
Marc says "it sometimes takes another person singing your song to appreciate it more. This song often gets sidelined against some of the bigger Soft Cell hits but it’s great when songs get re-evaluated. Thanks for doing this Chris."
Collecting three of the most inspirational and impactful artists that arose around 1980, THE GENERATIONS TOUR has drawn together THE HUMAN LEAGUE, SOFT CELL and ALISON MOYET for a tour of North America this Summer. Kicking off on 2 June at San Diego, CA’s Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre with dates in cities continent-wide including Los Angeles, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Niagara, ON on July 2nd, the 21-date tour will pack an evening with these artists’ classic hits, deep cuts and new music.
Ticket presale opens at 10am (local) on 21 January 2026. For a full list of dates and ticket links visit the Live page
Marc says:
We are looking forward to being on tour across the USA in June with The Human League and Alison Moyet.
Before Dave's sad passing last year he had prepared the music for the US tours with his co-producer Phil Larsen. Phil has been a part of the Soft Cell team for a long time now and he has stood in for Dave on many live occasions due to Dave's health challenges in his final years.
Phil will be standing in for Dave on this tour as he did on the last US Tour. Dave is still, and will always remain, the beating heart of Soft Cell and his music and songs will continue to have a life. The forthcoming album, Danceteria, will be the end of any new studio music from Soft Cell because recording without Dave just wouldn't be Soft Cell.
The Human League were an inspiration to Soft Cell when we started back in 1979 and at last we can be together on tour. Joining us will be the brilliant artist Alison Moyet to complete what will be a once in a lifetime tour.
We look forward to seeing you later in the year. We hope you will enjoy this unique triple bill.
Marc Almond