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

Perry Bamonte, longtime guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, has died at the age of 65 following a short illness. He passed away at home over the Christmas holiday, the band confirmed in an official statement shared on their website.

The Cure paid tribute to Bamonte, remembering him as a deeply creative, intuitive, and vital part of the band’s history. Known affectionately as “Teddy,” Bamonte was praised for both his musicianship and his behind-the-scenes dedication that spanned decades.

“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative,” the band wrote, adding that Bamonte was instrumental not only on stage but also in helping care for the group during critical years of its evolution.

A Key Figure in The Cure’s Sound and Touring History

Born in London in 1960, Bamonte first entered The Cure’s world in 1984 as part of the band’s road crew, introduced through his brother Daryl, who served as the group’s tour manager. He later became personal assistant and guitar technician to frontman Robert Smith before officially joining the band as a full-time member in 1990.

Bamonte joined The Cure following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell and quickly became an essential part of the lineup. Between 1990 and 2005, he played guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards across studio recordings and extensive international tours, performing more than 400 shows during that period.

His work can be heard on several major albums, including Wish (1992), Wild Mood Swings (1996), and Bloodflowers (2000). On Wish, The Cure’s most commercially successful album, Bamonte contributed six-string bass and keyboard parts to iconic songs such as “Friday I’m in Love,” “A Letter to Elise,” and “High.”

Departure, Reunion, and Final Performances

Bamonte left The Cure in 2005 after the band was reconfigured as a trio. He later joined the group Love Amongst Ruin in 2012, continuing his musical career outside of The Cure’s orbit.

In 2019, Bamonte reunited with The Cure for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a significant moment for longtime fans. He officially rejoined the band in 2022 for the global Shows of a Lost World tour, which ran through late 2023 and featured some of the strongest performances of the band’s later years.

He played his final shows with The Cure in 2024, including a standout performance at London’s Troxy in November. Bamonte had been scheduled to continue touring with the band internationally through 2026.

His final work with The Cure is preserved in the concert documentary filmed during the Shows of a Lost World tour, which is currently in theatrical release.

A Lasting Legacy

Perry Bamonte’s influence on The Cure extended far beyond any single album or tour. His musicianship, loyalty, and quiet presence helped shape the band’s sound during some of its most important chapters. Fans and bandmates alike remember him as a deeply respected collaborator whose contributions will continue to resonate through The Cure’s music for years to come.