At 65, Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist who helped shape The Cure’s sound for decades, has died. The band announced the loss on their official website on Friday, marking the end of an era for one of the group’s most enduring members.
The Announcement
“It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the band wrote. The statement continued: “Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story.” The band concluded with, “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”
Early Years and Joining the Band
Bamonte’s relationship with The Cure began long before he became a full-time member. From 1984 to 1989 he worked as a roadie and guitar technician, learning the ropes behind the scenes. In 1990, after keyboardist Roger O’Donnell quit, Bamonte officially joined the group. He took on multiple roles, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard, and quickly became an integral part of the band’s creative process.
Albums and Contributions
Bamonte’s musicianship can be heard on several key Cure releases:
- *1992 – Wish*, which features the hits “Friday I’m in Love” and “High.”
- 1996 – Wild Mood Swings.
- 2000 – Bloodflowers.
- 2004 – The Cure (self-titled).**
Each of these albums showcases his versatility and the subtle depth he brought to the group’s evolving sound.
Departure and Return
In 2005, singer and leader Robert Smith dismissed Bamonte from the band. By that point, the guitarist had performed at more than 400 shows across 14 years. Despite the split, Bamonte’s connection to The Cure remained strong. He rejoined the group in recent years, touring with them in 2022 for an additional 90 gigs, reaffirming his place in the band’s history.
Hall of Fame and Final Performance
The year 2019 was a milestone for Bamonte and The Cure: the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Bamonte honored alongside the rest of the group. His last performance came on November 1, 2024, in London for a special one-off event that launched the band’s latest album, Songs of a Lost World. The concert was filmed for The Cure: The Show of a Lost World, a film that was released in cinemas worldwide this month and is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
The Associated Press praised Songs of a Lost World as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful” – a description that underscores the album’s significance as one of the best in the band’s career.
Key Takeaways
- Perry Bamonte, 65, passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas.
- He joined The Cure in 1990, contributing to albums such as Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, and The Cure.
- After being fired in 2005, he returned to tour in 2022 and performed his final show in 2024.
Closing
Perry Bamonte’s death marks the loss of a musician whose quiet intensity and creative vision helped define The Cure’s legacy. From backstage work in the mid-1980s to front-stage performances across the globe, his influence remains woven into the band’s enduring sound. Fans and fellow musicians alike will remember him as a vital part of The Cure’s story, and his contributions will continue to resonate for years to come.
