Cure guitarist and keyboard player Perry Bamonte passes away at 65
The sad news of Perry Bamonte’s passing at the age of 65 has left fans of The Cure heartbroken. The legendary British dark rock band made the announcement on December 26 that Bamonte, their guitarist and keyboard player, had died after a brief illness over the Christmas period.
The band released a statement on their website confirming Bamonte’s death, expressing immense sadness at the loss of their friend and bandmate. Described as quiet, intense, intuitive, constant, and hugely creative, Bamonte, affectionately known as ‘Teddy,’ played a vital role in The Cure’s story. The band extended their condolences to Bamonte’s family and emphasized how greatly he would be missed.
Bamonte’s association with The Cure dates back to 1990 when he became a full member of the band. However, his journey with the group began in 1984 when he joined as part of the road crew. Over the years, Bamonte contributed his musical talents, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards for The Cure. His musical credits include albums like “Wish” (1992), “Wild Mood Swings” (1996), “Bloodflowers” (2000), “Acoustic Hits” (2001), and “The Cure” (2004).
His impact on The Cure’s live performances was significant, playing more than 400 shows during his initial 14-year period with the band. Upon rejoining in 2022, Bamonte continued to impress with strong performances in the 90 shows he played. The band acknowledged that these later performances were among the best in their history.
The Cure is known for its distinctive sound and innovative approach to music, led by frontman Robert Smith’s plaintive vocals and rich guitar textures. The band has traversed various musical styles and genres over the years, ranging from goth rock to pop hits like “Friday I’m in Love.” Despite their varied musical offerings, The Cure has maintained a loyal fan base and continued touring extensively.
Lol Tolhurst, the band’s former drummer, expressed his sadness over Bamonte’s passing in a tribute on Instagram, offering condolences to those who knew him. Bamonte’s musical talents extended beyond The Cure, as he also served as the bass player in the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin, which released two studio albums.
The loss of Perry Bamonte is deeply felt not only by The Cure and the music industry but also by fans around the world. His contributions to the band’s sound and live performances will be remembered and cherished by all who had the pleasure of experiencing his musical talents. Farewell to a talented musician, Perry Bamonte, may his legacy live on through the music he created with The Cure.