Chester-born Dave Ball, one half of 1980s electronic music duo Soft Cell, has died aged 66. 

It has been confirmed that Ball passed away 'peacefully in his sleep' at his London home yesterday (Wednesday 22 October). 

His musical collaborator of 46 years and Soft Cell bandmate, Singer Marc Almond, has paid tribute to Ball, describing him as a 'wonderfully brilliant musical genius'. 

Ball's life began in Chester, where he was born in 1959. He was given up for adoption at 18 months old.

The band duo met at Leeds Polytechnic in 1977, where they were both studying art. That same year, they formed Soft Cell and recorded their first EP. 

Four years later, 'Tainted Love' would become the UK's biggest-selling single of 1981, shifting 21 million copies worldwide. 

The 66-year-old made his final public appearance with the band just a few weeks prior to his death, at the Rewind Festival in Henley-on-Thames.

There, Soft Cell headlined in front of over 20,000 fans.

Ball was also one half of The Grid, alongside musician and producer Richard Norris. As a songwriter, producer and remixer, he also worked with artists such as David Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys and Erasure.

Marc Almond led the tributes to the artist, describing Ball as 'the heart and soul of Soft Cell'.

He added: "He was a wonderfully brilliant musical genius and the pair of us have been on a journey together for almost 50 years. 

"In the early days we were obnoxious and difficult, two belligerent art students who wanted to do things our way, even if it was the wrong way. 

"Dave and I were always a bit chalk-and-cheese, but maybe that's why the chemistry between us worked so well."

"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."