Musician Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboard player for The Cure, passes away at 65
The music world mourns the loss of Perry Bamonte, the talented guitarist and keyboard player for the iconic British dark rock band, The Cure. The band confirmed the passing of Bamonte at the age of 65, following a brief illness during the Christmas holidays. The announcement of his death appeared on the band’s official website, describing Bamonte as a significant member of The Cure since 1990.
The statement released by The Cure expressed deep sorrow at the loss of Bamonte, acknowledging his impact on the band’s journey. Fondly referred to as ‘Teddy,’ Bamonte was recognized for his quiet, intuitive, and creative contributions to the band over the years. His warmth and dedication to The Cure’s music endeared him to his bandmates and fans alike. The band offered their heartfelt condolences to Bamonte’s family and highlighted the void his death leaves within the music community.
Joining The Cure in 1990, Bamonte began his musical journey with the band after working with them as part of the road crew from 1984. Throughout his tenure, he played guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard, contributing to notable albums such as “Wish” (1992), “Wild Mood Swings” (1996), and “Bloodflowers” (2000). The statement detailed Bamonte’s involvement in over 400 shows during his initial 14-year stint with the band and a further 90 shows after rejoining in 2022.
Known for the evocative voice of frontman Robert Smith and lush guitar compositions, The Cure’s music had a profound impact on the goth rock genre, particularly with albums like “Pornography” (1982). Their influence extended to more mainstream success with tracks like “Friday I’m in Love.” Despite their long-standing touring performances, The Cure had not released a new studio album since 2008’s “4:13 Dream” until last year’s “Songs of a Lost World.”
In a tribute shared on Instagram, The Cure’s former drummer, Lol Tolhurst, expressed his grief over Bamonte’s passing and extended condolences to those who knew him. Bamonte’s musical legacy also included his role as the bass player in the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin, which has released two studio albums. The impact of Perry Bamonte’s artistry and presence resonated deeply within the music world, leaving a lasting imprint on fans and fellow musicians alike.
The loss of a talented musician like Perry Bamonte from The Cure marks a significant moment in music history, with tributes from fans and fellow artists capturing the enduring legacy of his work within the band. As The Cure continues to celebrate its iconic career and transformative sound, Bamonte’s contributions remain an essential part of their rich musical tapestry.