Perry Bamonte, The Cure Guitarist, Passes Away at 65

The Announcement of His Death

Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboard player for the iconic British band The Cure, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The band announced his death on Friday, revealing that he "passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas."

Remembering Perry Bamonte

In a heartfelt statement on their website, The Cure expressed their deep sorrow, stating, "It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte." They described him as "quiet, intensive, intuitive, constant, and hugely creative," emphasizing his vital role in the band’s legacy. The statement also extended condolences to his family, noting that he would be "very greatly missed."

Perry’s Journey with The Cure

Bamonte joined The Cure as a full member in 1990 after initially being part of the road crew since 1984. His contributions included playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards. His first tenure with the band lasted 14 years, followed by a return in 2022. Throughout his time with The Cure, Bamonte played a critical role in the creation of several albums, including:

• Wish (1992)
• Wild Mood Swings (1996)
• Bloodflowers (2000)
• Acoustic Hits (2001)
• The Cure (2004)

During his first stint, he performed in over 400 shows, and after rejoining, he added another 90 performances, with many being hailed as "some of the best in the band’s history."

The Impact of The Cure

With Robert Smith at the helm, The Cure has been a transformational force in the rock genre, particularly in shaping Goth rock. Albums like Pornography (1982) showcased dark themes, while later hits like "Friday I’m in Love" brought a more upbeat sound. Although the band kept touring, they had not released a new studio album since 4:13 Dream (2008), until the release of Songs of a Lost World in 2022.

Tributes to Perry Bamonte

The band’s former drummer, Lol Tolhurst, shared his sadness on Instagram, stating, "I am so sad to learn of Bamonte’s death," and offered condolences to those who knew him. He ended the tribute with a heartfelt "Farewell Teddy."

A Legacy Remembered

Beyond his contributions to The Cure, Bamonte was also the bass player for the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin, known for their two studio albums. His impact on the music world will be remembered as part of The Cure’s enduring legacy.

Perry Bamonte’s artistry and warmth will be deeply missed by fans and fellow musicians alike.