Perry Bamonte, Longtime Guitarist and Keyboardist for The Cure, Dies at 65
The influential post-punk band The Cure has announced the passing of Perry Bamonte, a key member known for his work on guitar and keyboards, at the age of 65. The news was shared earlier today, December 26, 2025, via an official statement on the band’s website, confirming his death followed a short illness at home over the Christmas holiday.
“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story,” the band’s tribute read. “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”
Born Perry Archangelo Bamonte in London on September 3, 1960, his journey with the band began in 1984 as a member of The Cure’s road crew, following his brother Daryl’s appointment as their tour manager. He quickly ascended to the role of Robert Smith’s guitar technician and personal assistant, demonstrating a dedication that would define his decades-long association with the group.
Bamonte’s musical contributions to The Cure formally began in 1990, after the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. He seamlessly integrated into the lineup, proficiently playing both guitar and keyboards – the latter skill honed under the tutelage of Robert Smith’s sister, Janet – and occasionally contributing six-string bass and percussion. His instrumental work became integral to the band’s sound on a string of acclaimed albums, including 1992’s Wish and 2000’s Bloodflowers.
His tenure with The Cure experienced a pause in 2005, but Bamonte continued to pursue his musical passions. In 2012, he joined Love Amongst Ruin, collaborating with members of Placebo and Julian Cope’s band. A significant moment of recognition came in 2019 when The Cure was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Bamonte present to celebrate the band’s legacy.
A full reunion with The Cure materialized in 2022, marking a triumphant return for Bamonte. He participated in the entirety of the ‘Shows Of A Lost World’ tour, culminating in a November 2024 performance at London’s Troxy, which was subsequently captured in the concert film The Show Of A Lost World. While he did not contribute to the band’s most recent studio album, Songs Of A Lost World, as its recording was completed prior to his rejoining, his presence on the tour was a celebrated return for fans.
Tragically, Bamonte was scheduled to participate in The Cure’s upcoming string of UK and European dates in 2026. These performances included planned outdoor headline shows in Manchester, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, and Berlin, as well as festival appearances at Isle Of Wight Festival, Primavera Sound Barcelona, Rock Werchter, Open’er, Øya, and Rock En Seine.
Here is a link to The Cure’s official announcement: https://t.co/STzJ8D1KPB
[Image of Perry Bamonte with The Cure: https://t.co/STzJ8D1KPB]
The passing of Perry Bamonte represents a significant loss to the music community and leaves a void in the enduring legacy of The Cure.
