Perry Bamonte, a key member of The Cure across multiple eras, has died at 65 after a short illness. The guitarist and keyboardist leaves behind a lasting musical legacy.
Perry Bamonte, the guitarist, keyboardist, and multi-instrumentalist best known for his influential work with The Cure, has died at the age of 65. The band confirmed that Bamonte passed away peacefully at home over Christmas after battling a short illness, marking a profound loss for fans and fellow musicians around the world.
In a heartfelt statement posted on the band’s official website, The Cure paid tribute to Bamonte’s decades-long contribution, describing him as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative.” Known affectionately as “Teddy” within the band’s inner circle, Bamonte’s musical presence and behind-the-scenes dedication shaped some of the group’s most important eras.
A Vital Part of The Cure’s Story
Bamonte’s relationship with The Cure began long before he stepped onstage as a full-time member. Born in London in 1960, he entered the band’s orbit in 1984 through his brother Daryl Bamonte, who served as the band’s tour manager. Perry initially worked as part of the road crew, later becoming lead singer Robert Smith’s personal assistant and guitar technician.
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This close working relationship gave Bamonte an intimate understanding of the band’s sound, ethos, and live performance demands. When longtime keyboardist Roger O’Donnell departed in 1990, Bamonte officially joined The Cure as a full-time member, marking the beginning of a significant musical chapter.
From “Wish” to “Bloodflowers”
Bamonte’s studio debut with The Cure came on the band’s most commercially successful album, Wish. On the record, he played six-string bass and keyboards, contributing to some of the group’s most beloved songs, including “Friday, I’m in Love,” “A Letter to Elise,” and “High.” These tracks helped define The Cure’s early ’90s sound and introduced the band to a wider global audience.
Over the next decade, Bamonte remained a core member of the group, performing on albums such as Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers. His ability to seamlessly switch between guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards made him an invaluable asset both in the studio and on stage.
Between 1990 and 2005, Bamonte played more than 400 shows with The Cure, helping deliver emotionally charged performances that became a hallmark of the band’s live reputation.
A Temporary Farewell and New Paths
In 2005, Bamonte left The Cure when Robert Smith reconfigured the band as a trio. While his departure marked the end of an era, Bamonte remained active in music. In 2012, he joined the band Love Amongst Ruin, continuing to explore new creative directions.
Despite stepping away from The Cure, Bamonte’s bond with the band never fully faded. In 2019, he reunited with former bandmates for The Cure’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a moment that rekindled both personal and professional connections.
A Triumphant Return in 2022
Bamonte officially rejoined The Cure in 2022, becoming part of the band’s globally acclaimed Shows of a Lost World tour. The tour kicked off in Latvia in October 2022 and ran through December 2023, earning widespread praise for its emotional depth, expansive setlists, and powerful performances.
According to the band, Bamonte played another 90 shows during this period—many of which they described as “some of the best in the band’s history.” His final performances culminated in The Show of a Lost World concert in London on November 1, 2024, a night that now stands as a poignant farewell.
Bamonte’s most recent appearance with The Cure took place at London’s Troxy in November 2024. At the time of his passing, he had been slated to perform at international dates with the band through 2026.
Captured on Film and Remembered Forever
Bamonte’s playing during the Shows of a Lost World tour is preserved in a concert documentary currently in theatrical release, offering fans a lasting record of his final chapter with The Cure. The film captures not only his musicianship but also the quiet intensity and emotional sensitivity that defined his stage presence.
A Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
While Bamonte was never the most outwardly visible member of The Cure, his influence ran deep. From shaping iconic studio recordings to anchoring marathon world tours, he embodied the dedication and artistry that helped sustain the band for decades.
In their statement, The Cure extended condolences to Bamonte’s family and loved ones, emphasizing how deeply he will be missed. For fans, Perry Bamonte’s legacy lives on in timeless songs, unforgettable live performances, and the unmistakable atmosphere he helped create—one that continues to resonate across generations of listeners.
As tributes pour in from around the world, Perry Bamonte is remembered not only as a gifted musician, but as a vital, irreplaceable part of The Cure’s enduring story.