Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic British rock band the Cure, has died. He was 65.
The group, which now consists of founder Robert Smith and longtime members Simon Gallup and Jason Cooper, announced the news in a statement on the band’s official website on Friday.
Bamonte passed away at home following a “short illness” on Thursday, Dec. 25.
The Cure’s Perry Bamonte in 1997. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Perry Bamonte performs at Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 17, 2023. WireImage“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,” they wrote of their late guitarist and keyboardist.
“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of the Cure story,” Smith, 66, and his bandmates added.
Although the Cure formed in Crawley, England, in 1976, Bamonte didn’t become involved with the “Just Like Heaven” rockers until the mid-’80s. He officially joined the band in 1990.
The Cure’s Perry Bamonte, Simon Gallup and Robert Smith. Redferns
Jason Cooper, Simon Gallup, Robert Smith, Roger O’Donnell and Perry Bamonte during the Cure’s induction into the Rock Walk in Hollywood, California, on April 30, 2004. Getty Images“Looking after the band from 1984 through 1989, he became a full-time member of the Cure in 1990, playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboard on the ‘Wish,’ ‘Wild Mood Swings,’ ‘Bloodflowers,’ ‘Acoustic Hits’ and ‘The Cure’ albums, as well as performing more than 400 shows over 14 years,” the group’s statement continued.
“He rejoined the Cure in 2022, playing another 90 shows, some of the best in the band’s history, culminating with the Show of a Lost World concert in London 12 November 2024,” Smith, Gallup and Cooper recalled.
The “Friday I’m in Love” musicians ended their statement with a touching message for Bamonte’s grieving loved ones.
Perry Bamonte during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City on March 29, 2019. Gregory Pace / Shutterstock
Perry Bamonte performing with the Cure at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif., on June 2, 2000. Getty Images“Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family,” they concluded. “He will be very greatly missed.”
The Post has reached out to Bamonte’s and the Cure’s reps for further comment.
Born in London, England, on Sept. 3, 1960, Bamonte first entered the Cure’s orbit in 1984 through his younger brother Daryl, who was working as the band’s tour manager at the time.
The Cure shortly before their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in New York City on March 29, 2019. Photo Image Press/Splash News / SplashNews.com
The Cure performing in Milan, Italy, on Oct. 31, 2022. Roberto Finizio/NurPhoto / ShutterstockAlthough he initially worked as the “Pictures of You” group’s guitar technician, he was ultimately promoted to a full-time member in 1990.
After leaving the Cure in 2005, Bamonte joined the British rock supergroup Love Amongst Ruin alongside Placebo’s Steve Hewitt and Julian Cope’s Donald Skinner.
However, Bamonte was still inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cure in 2019 before rejoining the beloved “Boys Don’t Cry” rockers in 2022.
Perry Bamonte during Coachella on May 2, 2004. Getty Images
Perry Bamonte playing keyboard during a Cure concert at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on July 1, 2023. Larry Marano / ShutterstockThe multi-instrumentalist’s final performance with the Cure was at the Troxy in London on Nov. 1, 2024, which was captured in the newly released “The Show of a Lost World” concert documentary.
He was also reportedly set to tour with the band for a slate of shows across Europe in 2026.
Bamonte is survived by his wife, Donna.
