The music world is mourning the loss of Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the legendary goth rock band The Cure. He was 65 years old.
A Quiet and Creative Force
The band announced the sad news on their official website on Friday. Perry Bamonte passed away at home over the Christmas period following a short illness. In their statement, The Cure remembered him as "quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative," using his affectionate nickname 'Teddy.' They described him as a warm-hearted and vital part of their story, stating he would be "very greatly missed."
A Multi-Decade Journey with The Cure
Bamonte's association with the influential group began long before he became a full member. He first worked with them from 1984 to 1989 in supporting roles like roadie and guitar technician. His big break came in 1990 when he officially joined to replace departing keyboardist Roger O'Donnell. From that point, he became a core member, contributing on guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards.
His tenure began just after the band's massive 1989 breakthrough album, "Disintegration." Perry Bamonte's musicianship is featured on several key Cure albums, including:
- "Wish" (1992) - home to iconic hits like "Friday I'm in Love" and "High."
- "Wild Mood Swings" (1996)
- "Bloodflowers" (2000)
- The band's self-titled 2004 release.
He performed in over 400 shows across 14 years before being let go by frontman Robert Smith in 2005. However, the connection endured. Bamonte rejoined the band in recent years, touring for another 90 gigs in 2022.
A Hall of Fame Legacy and Final Bow
In 2019, Perry Bamonte was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his Cure bandmates, cementing his place in music history. His final performance with the group was a significant one. He took the stage on November 1, 2024, in London for a special concert to launch The Cure's first new album in 16 years, "Songs of a Lost World." Critics, including The Associated Press, have hailed the album as "lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful" and among the band's best work.
That landmark London show was filmed for the cinematic release "The Cure: The Show of a Lost World," which hit global theaters this month and is available on Blu-ray and DVD. It now stands as a poignant final chapter in Bamonte's extensive and creative contribution to one of alternative music's most enduring acts.
