Dave Ball, known by his stage name III, is the bassist for Sleep Token, a British alternative metal band that has captivated fans with their mysterious personas and genre-defying sound. Ball plays a critical role in shaping the band’s music, providing the deep, powerful bass lines that are essential to Sleep Token’s atmospheric and dynamic compositions. Before joining Sleep Token in 2016, Ball was actively involved in the UK metal scene and toured with bands such as Architects. His experience with these acts allowed him to refine his technique and develop a style characterized by heavy, driving riffs intertwined with intricate melodic passages. Active on Instagram under the handle @iii_sleeptoken, III has amassed over 224,000 followers, where he shares glimpses of his performances and moments from the band’s tours.
As III, Ball remains committed to Sleep Token’s philosophy of anonymity, performing masked alongside his bandmates to maintain the focus on the music and the shared narrative of their deity “Sleep.” His approach to bass playing goes beyond traditional support roles; he often incorporates advanced techniques such as fingerpicking, slapping, and tapping, which add complexity and texture to the band’s music. His contributions are particularly evident in Sleep Token’s live performances, where his tight rhythm work in coordination with drummer II (Adam Pedder) forms the backbone of the band’s compelling and immersive stage presence. Ball’s gear choices, including his Charvel basses and sophisticated amplification setups, are carefully selected to ensure that the low-end frequencies are not only felt but are a defining feature of the band’s signature sound. His dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt his playing style make him an indispensable part of Sleep Token’s musical identity.
Dave Ball Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dave Ball |
| Stage Name | III |
| Date of Birth | Information not publicly available |
| Place of Birth | Information not publicly available |
| Occupation | Musician, Bassist |
| Genres | Alternative Metal, Progressive Metal, Post-Rock, Indie Rock, Pop |
| Instruments | Bass Guitar |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Notable Bands | Sleep Token, Architects (touring) |
| Previous Projects | Involved in various UK metal bands, gaining stage experience and refining his bass playing technique |
| Visual Aesthetic | Performs wearing a mask, aligning with Sleep Token’s ethos of anonymity and atmospheric presentation |
| Key Contributions | Provides deep, powerful bass lines that underpin Sleep Token’s complex and atmospheric sound |
| Musical Style | Combines heavy, driving riffs with melodic and intricate passages; versatile in fingerpicking, slapping, and tapping |
| Role in Sleep Token | Essential to the band’s rhythm section, contributes to both studio recordings and live performances |
| Gear and Equipment | Uses Charvel basses and advanced amplification systems to deliver the signature low-end frequencies |
| Live Performance | Known for his tight rhythm work with drummer II, forming a solid backbone in live shows |
| Personal Interests | Music production, live performances |
| Band’s Style and Genre | Alt-metal, post-rock, progressive metal, indie rock, and pop |
| Mystique and Anonymity | Performs masked, contributing to the band’s mystique and focus on the narrative of their deity “Sleep” |
| Known Collaborations | Worked with Northlane’s guitar tech and is associated with Charvel guitars |
| Significant Contributions | Helps shape the band’s unique sonic landscape and mystical presence with his bass lines |
