Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist who helped shape The Cure’s sound for three decades, has died at 65 after a brief illness at his home over Christmas.
He was 65 years old.
His death follows a brief illness.
The news shocked fans worldwide.
The band announced the death on its official website on Friday, marking a solemn moment for fans worldwide.
The statement was posted early in the day.
It was shared by the band’s official social media accounts as well.
Fans responded with messages of condolence.
“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 in a statement released on the site.
The announcement was brief but heartfelt.
It emphasized the personal nature of the loss.
The band also thanked fans for their support.
“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story,” the statement continued, painting a portrait of the musician’s character.
The description highlights his creative spirit.
It reflects the respect he earned from peers.
The band also noted his warmth as a person.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed,” the band added, underscoring the personal loss felt by those close to him.
The statement expressed deep sorrow.
It also mentioned family support.
The band thanked the audience for their compassion.
Bamonte’s journey with the group began in 1984, when he served as a roadie and guitar technician, a role that laid the groundwork for his later contributions.
He worked closely with the band during tours.
His technical skills were valued by the members.
This early experience prepared him for future roles.
In 1990, following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell, Bamonte officially joined The Cure as a full-time member, stepping into the roles of guitarist, six-string bassist, and keyboardist.
He was welcomed by the band after a period of transition.
His musical versatility was quickly recognized.
The new lineup began recording soon after.
His entry came shortly after the band’s mainstream breakthrough with the 1989 album Disintegration, positioning him at the center of the group’s evolving sound.
The album had already cemented their status.
Bamonte contributed to subsequent projects.
His presence added depth to the band’s performances.
Bamonte can be heard on several key albums, including 1992’s Wish-home to the hits “Friday I’m in Love” and “High”-as well as 1996’s Wild Mood Swings, 2000’s Bloodflowers, and the 2004 self-titled release.
These recordings showcase his guitar work.
They also feature his bass and keyboard contributions.
His style helped define the band’s sonic direction.
Despite his integral role, Bamonte was dismissed by lead singer Robert Smith in 2005, a decision that ended his initial tenure with the band.
The dismissal was part of a lineup change.
The band continued to evolve without him.
His departure left a noticeable gap.
At the time of his departure, he had performed at more than 400 shows over a span of 14 years, a testament to his enduring presence on stage.
These performances spanned multiple tours.
Fans remembered his stage presence.
His experience was highly regarded.
He re-joined the group in recent years, touring again in 2022 for a series of 90 gigs that rekindled his collaboration with his former bandmates.
The reunion was welcomed by fans.
It showcased his enduring talent.
The 2022 tour added new energy to the band’s live shows.
In 2019, Bamonte was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of The Cure, cementing his place in music history.
The induction recognized the band’s influence.
It honored all members, including Bamonte.
The ceremony celebrated their legacy.
His final performance with the band took place on November 1, 2024, in London, where he played a one-off event that launched their latest album and first release in 16 years, Songs of a Lost World.
The concert highlighted new material.
Fans attended in large numbers.
The event was a milestone for the band.
The concert was filmed for The Cure: The Show of a Lost World, a film that premiered in cinemas globally this month and is now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
The film captures the energy of the live performance.
It includes behind-the-scenes footage.
Viewers can relive the concert experience.
The Associated Press described Songs of a Lost World as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful”-calling it one of the best of the band’s career.
The review praised the album’s composition.
It highlighted the orchestral arrangements.
The AP noted its impact on listeners.
Band members and fans alike have expressed deep sorrow, recalling Bamonte’s quiet intensity and creative influence during his time with the group.
Social media posts reflected on his contributions.
Many remembered his supportive nature.
The community mourned his loss.
His legacy endures through the music he helped create and the memories he left behind, ensuring that his contributions will resonate with listeners for years to come.
Fans continue to celebrate his work.
The band honors him in future performances.
His influence remains a part of The Cure’s identity.
The Cure’s official website also listed a memorial page where fans could leave tributes.
The page featured photos from early tours.
It highlighted Bamonte’s role in shaping the band’s live sound.
The memorial remained active for months following the announcement.
The band’s social media accounts posted a series of photos from Bamonte’s career.
They included snapshots from the 1992 Wish tour.
The posts were accompanied by brief captions about his contributions.
Fans responded with heartfelt comments.
Perry’s nickname ‘Teddy’ was used affectionately by his bandmates.
It reflected his gentle personality.
The nickname appeared in several interviews.
It became a familiar term among fans.
The Cure’s frontman Robert Smith released a statement acknowledging Bamonte’s departure in 2005.
He cited the need for a new direction.
The statement expressed gratitude for Bamonte’s work.
It also mentioned future plans for the band.
