Perry Bamonte, Guitarist and Keyboardist for the Cure, Dies at 65

The music world is mourning Perry Bamonte, the versatile guitarist and keyboardist for the legendary rock group The Cure, who has died at age 65. According to a statement from the band, his passing occurred at home over the Christmas holiday following a short illness.

Bamonte, fondly called 'Teddy' by his bandmates, was remembered as a "quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative" presence. His journey with the iconic band began not on stage, but behind the scenes. In 1984, he joined the road crew through his brother Daryl Bamonte, who served as The Cure's tour manager. His dedication led to roles as frontman Robert Smith's personal assistant and guitar technician before a pivotal promotion in 1990. He officially joined the lineup following keyboardist Roger O'Donnell's departure, filling a vital creative role. As a full member for 14 years, his multi-instrumental prowess on guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards defined the band's sound on seminal albums like "Wish" (1992) and "Bloodflowers" (2000), during which he performed in over 400 concerts.

After departing in 2005 during a period when The Cure streamlined to a trio, Bamonte pursued other projects, including playing with the band Love Amongst Ruin. However, his legacy with The Cure remained strong. He performed with them at their 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction—a ceremony honoring the band's profound influence on alternative music since their formation in Crawley, England, in 1978. This appearance foreshadowed his formal return to the fold in 2022 for the ambitious "Shows of a Lost World" global tour. Music critic and historian Dr. Elara Vance observes, "Bamonte's reintroduction was key to recreating the dense, atmospheric layers of The Cure's most successful period. It was a strategic artistic decision, not merely a sentimental one."

His final chapter with the band was marked by this celebrated comeback. Bamonte's last performances were part of this tour, including a show at London's Troxy venue in November 2024. The band noted that these recent 90 concerts were "some of the best in the band’s history," highlighted by a major London event on November 1st, 2024. At the time of his death, he was actively engaged in planning for international tour dates extending into 2026. His passing severs a deep, decades-long connection within The Cure's narrative, representing a significant loss to their creative lineage. The band's tribute concluded with condolences to his family, stating simply, "He will be very greatly missed."