The Cure's Perry Bamonte Dies at 65 After Short Illness

Legendary Cure Multi-Instrumentalist Perry Bamonte Passes Away

The music world is mourning the loss of Perry Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for iconic British rock band The Cure, who died at age 65 after a short illness. The band confirmed his passing on their official website on December 26, 2025, describing him as 'quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative' and a 'warm-hearted and indispensable part of The Cure story.'

From Roadie to Rock Star

Bamonte's journey with The Cure began in 1984 when he joined as a roadie, thanks to his brother Daryl who worked as tour manager for the band. He quickly became guitar technician and personal assistant to frontman Robert Smith. During this period, Bamonte expanded his musical skills by learning piano and keyboards from Smith's sister, Janet.

When keyboardist Roger O'Donnell left in 1990, Bamonte seized his opportunity and became a full member of the band. He wasn't just a guitarist or keyboardist - he played multiple instruments including six-string bass and percussion, becoming what many called the band's 'secret weapon.'

Musical Legacy and Contributions

Bamonte contributed to five studio albums during his tenure: Wish (1992), Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), The Cure (2004), and the live albums Paris and Show. He played on some of The Cure's most beloved tracks, including the 1992 hit 'Friday I'm in Love' where he handled guitar, keyboards, and bass parts.

According to The Guardian, Bamonte performed at nearly 500 shows with The Cure across 14 years, helping shape the band's distinctive sound that blended post-punk, new wave, gothic rock, and dream pop.

Recent Return and Final Performances

After being dismissed from the band in 2005, Bamonte maintained a low profile, focusing on fly fishing and illustration work for Fly Culture magazine. He returned to music in 2012 as bassist for the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin.

In a surprise move, Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022 for their 'Shows of a Lost World' tour, performing over 90 concerts. His final performance was on November 1, 2024, at the 'Show of a Lost World' concert in London, which launched the band's latest album 'Songs of a Lost World.'

Music Times reports that Bamonte was scheduled to continue touring with The Cure through 2026, with planned shows across Europe and the United Kingdom.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Bamonte was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Cure in 2019, a recognition of his significant contributions to the band's success during their most commercially successful era in the 1990s.

The band's statement emphasized his importance: 'Teddy was a warm-hearted and indispensable part of The Cure story. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and worked with him.'

Fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with tributes, remembering Bamonte's atmospheric 'wall of sound' contributions to tracks like 'Trust' and 'From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea.' His multi-instrumental versatility helped define The Cure's sound during a crucial period in their evolution.

Bamonte's death comes as The Cure continues to enjoy renewed popularity, with seven songs currently featured in the Dutch Top 2000, including 'A Forest' (1980) and 'Friday I'm in Love' (1992). The band was also announced as a headliner for Pinkpop 2026 alongside Foo Fighters and Twenty One Pilots.

Perry Archangelo Bamonte leaves behind a musical legacy that helped shape alternative rock for generations. His contributions to The Cure's distinctive sound will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.