Tributes paid to 'genius' pop star

MARC Almond has described Dave Ball as “the heart and soul of Soft Cell” after his bandmate's death aged 66.

- BY AMY DENMAN

Dave died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, just a few days after he and Marc, 68, completed the electronic pop duo's final album.

Marc, with whom he performed hits including Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, said: “It is hard to write this, let alone process it, as Dave was in such a great place emotionally. He was focused and so happy with the new album.