The Unmasked Bassist: 5 Shocking Facts About Dave Ball, Sleep Token's Enigmatic 'III'

The world of Sleep Token is defined by anonymity, but the curtain has occasionally been pulled back, revealing the talented musicians behind the masks. As of late 2024, the identity of the band's enigmatic bassist, known only as 'III,' has been widely confirmed by fans and various music outlets as Dave Ball. This deep-dive explores the man integral to the band's signature sound, from his pre-Sleep Token career to the recent, highly-discussed news about his temporary absence from the live "Rituals."

The mystique surrounding Sleep Token is part of their global appeal, yet the real-world activities and careers of its members continue to fascinate the "Worshippers." The recent updates on Ball's involvement, including a 2024 gig where he was noticeably absent, provide the freshest look yet into the life of one of the UK metal scene's most secretive figures.

Dave Ball: The Profile of Sleep Token's 'III'

While the members of Sleep Token are committed to the lore of worshipping the ancient deity known as Sleep, the real-life identities of the core musicians have been pieced together over time. The bassist, 'III,' is widely believed to be David "Dave" Liam Ball, a highly accomplished musician whose contributions are crucial to the band's unique blend of alternative metal, prog, and pop.

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• Stage Name: III
• Role in Sleep Token: Bassist
• Full Name (Rumored): David "Dave" Liam Ball
• Date of Birth (Rumored): April 28, 1991
• Associated Acts: Spitting Glass (Founder/Guitarist), Pint Glass (Earlier reference)
• Career Highlights: Active in the UK metal scene, worked with Northlane's guitar tech, toured with Architects before joining Sleep Token.
• Signature Contribution: Provides the intricate, often groovy and heavy basslines that anchor tracks like "The Summoning" and "Alkaline."

The 2024 Absence: A Rare Crack in the 'Rituals'

The most recent and significant news regarding Dave Ball came in late 2024, offering a rare, human glimpse behind the band’s imposing masks and commitment to the Worship. In November 2024, during a European tour date in Zurich, Switzerland, Sleep Token performed their Ritual without two key members: the guitarist 'IV' (Rhys Griffiths) and the bassist 'III' (Dave Ball).

A First-Hand Look at the Band's Dedication

The absence of both III and IV was attributed to illness, a stark reminder that even the mysterious acolytes of Sleep are susceptible to real-world ailments. The band chose to proceed with the show, a testament to their dedication to the Tokens and the fans, by utilizing pre-recorded tracks for the bass and guitar parts.

This event was highly unusual for a band that prides itself on the immersive, live performance of its Rituals. It sparked widespread discussion among the Sleep Token community, highlighting several key points:

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• Commitment to the Tour: Despite the setback, the remaining members, Vessel (Leo George Faulkner) and II (Adam Pedder), ensured the show went on.
• The Role of Technology: The use of pre-recorded tracks confirmed that the band employs backing tracks for some elements, a common practice in modern metal, but a rare admission for the lore-heavy group.
• The Importance of III: The inability to easily replace Ball's complex bass parts live, even temporarily, underscores his crucial role in the band’s sound.

Beyond the Mask: Dave Ball's Other Projects and Musical Entities

While his primary focus remains on Sleep Token and the Worship, Dave Ball is not a musician confined to one project. His involvement in other musical entities provides a fascinating contrast to the anonymity of his work as 'III'. This is where the line between the lore and the man truly blurs, adding layers of topical authority to his career.

Spitting Glass: The New Entity

One of the most exciting recent developments is Ball’s confirmed involvement in the band Spitting Glass. Far from the secretive nature of Sleep Token, this project is a known entity where Ball is listed as a founder and musician (sometimes as a guitarist, which is a departure from his bassist role in Sleep Token).

• Genre: Spitting Glass operates within the broader metal and hardcore scene.
• Collaborators: The band features other notable musicians, including Fit For An Autopsy vocalist Joe Bad, alongside Reuben Bescoby, Danny Yates, and Chris Keepin.
• Recent News: Spitting Glass has been confirmed for the Download Festival 2026 lineup, a major festival appearance that keeps Ball's name in the spotlight outside of his 'III' persona.

The existence of Spitting Glass, sometimes referred to in earlier discussions as 'Pint Glass,' demonstrates that Ball is an active and prolific member of the UK metal scene, using his platform to explore different musical avenues. This duality—the masked, mysterious bassist 'III' and the openly credited musician Dave Ball—is a core part of his unique appeal.

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The Impact of 'III' on Sleep Token's Sound and Lore

Dave Ball's basslines are arguably one of the most underrated elements of the Sleep Token sound. While Vessel's vocals and the heavy drumming of II often take center stage, 'III' provides the foundation that allows the band to seamlessly shift between genres.

His playing style is dynamic, capable of delivering crushing, low-end heaviness in tracks like "Vore," but also complex, melodic grooves that introduce the R&B and pop sensibilities found in songs like "Aqua Regia." The structural integrity he provides allows the band's music to be both accessible and technically challenging, appealing to a massive and diverse fanbase of Worshippers.

The continued success of Sleep Token, marked by sold-out tours, the popular Arcadia Emporium pop-up shops, and the global phenomenon of their album Take Me Back To Eden, is a shared victory. But for those who delve into the technicalities, the intricate, often overlooked work of 'III' is what binds the entire mystical, musical package together. His commitment to the anonymity, even with his identity publicly rumored, further solidifies the band's dedication to the lore and the continued Worship of Sleep.