Remembering Perry Bamonte: The Vital and Intuitive Heart of The Cure Passes Away
The music world is mourning the loss of a pivotal figure in alternative rock history as The Cure officially announced the passing of Perry Bamonte. The versatile multi instrumentalist, who played guitar, six string bass, and keyboards for the legendary British band, died at the age of 65. According to a statement released by the band on Friday, December 26, 2025, Bamonte passed away at home over the Christmas holiday following a short illness. Known affectionately by his bandmates as "Teddy," Bamonte was described as a "quiet, intense, intuitive, and constant" presence who helped shape the sound of the group across several decades.
Perry Archangelo Bamonte was born in London on September 3, 1960. His journey with The Cure began long before he ever stepped on stage as a member. In 1984, he joined the band’s road crew, following in the footsteps of his younger brother Daryl Bamonte, who served as a longtime tour manager for both The Cure and Depeche Mode. During those formative years, Perry worked as a guitar technician and personal assistant to frontman Robert Smith. It was during this period that he honed his musical craft, even receiving keyboard lessons from Robert’s sister, Janet Smith.
From Road Crew to Center Stage
Bamonte’s transition from technician to band member occurred in 1990 following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. He made his official debut during the "Pleasure Trips" European festival tour. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between instruments, providing the atmospheric textures and intricate guitar layers that defined the band's post Disintegration era. His first studio contribution was the 1992 masterpiece Wish, an album that reached number one on the UK charts and produced global hits like "Friday I’m in Love" and "High."
Throughout his initial 14 year tenure, Bamonte appeared on several landmark albums, including Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), and the 2004 self titled release The Cure. He was a cornerstone of the band's live identity, performing in more than 400 shows during his first stint. His contribution was not just technical but creative; his ability to balance the dark, gothic undertones of the band's earlier work with the more melodic sensibilities of their 90s output made him an indispensable asset.
A Historic Return and Final Performances
After leaving the group in 2005, Bamonte maintained a relatively low profile, pursuing interests in illustration and fly fishing. He contributed to the magazine Fly Culture and participated in musical projects like the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin. In 2019, he stood alongside his former bandmates as The Cure was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to the enduring impact of the music he helped create.
In a move that thrilled the "Cureheads" worldwide, Bamonte rejoined the band in 2022 for the "Shows of a Lost World" tour. This reunion saw him back on stage for another 90 performances, which many fans and critics cited as some of the strongest in the band's nearly 50 year history. His final performance with the group took place on November 1, 2024, at a special one off concert in London to launch the band’s long awaited album, Songs of a Lost World. The event was captured in the concert film released globally in December 2025, serving as a final, high definition tribute to his musicianship.
Tributes and Legacy
The announcement of his death triggered a wave of tributes from the alternative music community. Robert Smith expressed profound sadness, highlighting Bamonte’s warmth and vital role in the "Cure story." Former drummer Lol Tolhurst also shared a touching message on social media, bidding farewell to "Teddy" and sending condolences to his family.
Bamonte's legacy is defined by his quiet dedication and multi instrumental brilliance. He was a musician who understood that in a band like The Cure, the space between the notes is often as important as the notes themselves. Whether he was providing the driving bass lines of the Bloodflowers era or the shimmering guitar hooks of the Wish era, he remained a selfless contributor to the collective vision.
As fans revisit the sprawling discography of The Cure this week, the contributions of Perry Bamonte stand as a reminder of a musician who rose from the ranks of the crew to become an architect of sound for one of the most influential bands in history. He is survived by his family and a global community of fans who will continue to find solace in the music he helped bring to life.