Perry Bamonte, long-time guitarist and keyboardist for the influential goth band The Cure, has died at the age of 65. The band announced his passing on their official website on Friday, confirming that he had succumbed to a short illness at home over Christmas. “It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the band wrote. “Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”
Bamonte’s relationship with The Cure began in the mid-1980s. He worked with the group in various capacities from 1984 to 1989, serving as a roadie and guitar technician. In 1990, he officially joined the band after keyboardist Roger O’Donnell quit. From that point he became a full-time member, playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboard. His tenure coincided with the release of the band’s mainstream breakthrough album Disintegration in 1989, and he appears on several subsequent records, including 1992’s Wish-which features the career-defining hits “Friday I’m in Love” and “High”-as well as Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000) and the 2004 self-titled album.
In 2005, Robert Smith, the singer and leader of The Cure, fired Bamonte from the group. At that time, he had performed at more than 400 shows over 14 years. Despite the split, he re-joined the band in recent years, touring with them in 2022 for another 90 gigs. The guitarist’s contributions were formally recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of The Cure.
Bamonte’s final performance with the band took place on November 1, 2024 in London for a one-off event that launched their latest album, Songs of a Lost World, the first studio record in 16 years. The concert was filmed for The Cure: The Show of a Lost World, a film that premiered in cinemas worldwide this month and is also available on Blu-ray and DVD. The Associated Press described the new album as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful”-a high point in the band’s career.
The announcement of Bamonte’s death has left fans and fellow musicians reflecting on his impact. His playing style-quiet, intense, and intuitive-was a defining element of The Cure’s sound during a pivotal era. The band’s tribute statement highlighted his warmth and creativity, underscoring the personal loss felt by his colleagues and family.
A Career Spanning Decades
- Joined The Cure in 1990 after Roger O’Donnell’s departure
- Featured on albums from Wish (1992) to The Cure (2004)
- Performed over 400 shows before 2005 firing
- Re-joined for 2022 tour, adding 90 more gigs
Hall of Fame and Legacy
- Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 with the band
- Last performance in 2024, filmed for a major concert film
- His work continues to influence contemporary gothic and alternative music
Final Thoughts
Perry Bamonte’s passing marks the end of an era for The Cure and the wider music community. His musicianship, characterized by quiet intensity and creative depth, left an indelible mark on the band’s evolution. Fans worldwide mourn the loss of a true icon whose legacy will endure through the timeless recordings he helped create.
