The music world is mourning the loss of Perry Bamonte, the multi-instrumentalist who spent years shaping the sound of the legendary British rock band The Cure. The band confirmed his death at age 65 on their official website.
A Creative Force in The Cure's Story
The Cure announced the sad news on Friday, December 26, 2025, stating Bamonte passed away at home over the Christmas period following a short illness. In their heartfelt statement, the band remembered him as a "quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative" member, affectionately using his nickname "Teddy." They described him as a "warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story" and extended condolences to his family.
A Journey from Roadie to Hall of Famer
Bamonte's history with The Cure began long before he became an official member. He first worked with the group from 1984 to 1989 in supporting roles, including as a roadie and guitar technician. His big break came in 1990 when he officially joined the band following keyboardist Roger O'Donnell's departure. Bamonte stepped into a full-time role, contributing on guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards.
His tenure began shortly after the band's massive 1989 breakthrough with the album Disintegration. Bamonte's musicianship is featured on several key Cure albums, including 1992's Wish—which spawned classic hits like Friday I'm in Love and High—as well as Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), and the 2004 self-titled release.
Departure, Return, and a Final Bow
After performing in over 400 shows across 14 years, Bamonte was dismissed from the band by frontman Robert Smith in 2005. However, his connection to The Cure endured. He rejoined the group for touring in recent years, playing an additional 90 gigs with them in 2022.
In 2019, he experienced one of music's highest honours, being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his bandmates. His final performance with The Cure was a significant one: a special show in his hometown of London on November 1, 2024, to launch the band's first new album in 16 years, Songs of a Lost World.
The passing of Perry Bamonte marks the end of a chapter for one of rock's most enduring and influential bands, leaving fans and the music community to reflect on his substantial creative legacy.
