Tributes Pour in for Perry Bamonte, The Cure's Esteemed Guitarist, Dead at 65

Perry Archangelo Bamonte, a pivotal member in shaping the sound of The Cure, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The iconic band confirmed the news on Friday via an official statement on their website, revealing that he passed away at home following a brief illness during the Christmas season.

The band expressed their grief, stating, “It is with tremendous sorrow that we confirm the death of our beloved friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte.” They fondly recalled his qualities, calling him “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant, and incredibly creative,” highlighting his warm spirit and significant contribution to the band's enduring legacy. They extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, acknowledging the immense loss.

Bamonte's journey with The Cure began long before his formal induction into the band. Between 1984 and 1989, he was involved in various capacities behind the scenes, working as a roadie and guitar technician. His unwavering commitment and keen musical instincts paved the way for a full-time role in 1990, following keyboardist Roger O’Donnell's exit. From that moment, Bamonte became integral to the band's live performances and studio recordings, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards.

Joining just after the band’s landmark album Disintegration in 1989, Bamonte contributed to numerous significant releases, including Wish (1992), known for hits like “Friday I’m in Love” and “High,” along with Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), and the self-titled album in 2004. His multifaceted playing helped carve out the expansive, emotive sound characteristic of The Cure during this period.

In 2005, Bamonte departed from the band at the hands of frontman Robert Smith, concluding over a decade as a central figure. By that point, he had played in more than 400 concerts across 14 years. Despite their separation, Bamonte eventually reconciled with the band and rejoined The Cure for a comprehensive tour in 2022, participating in nearly 90 performances.

His musical achievements were formally acknowledged in 2019 when he, alongside The Cure, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his role in their storied history.

Bamonte's last performance with the group took place on November 1, 2024, in London at a special concert celebrating the release of Songs of a Lost World, The Cure’s first studio album in 16 years. The event was recorded and subsequently released worldwide as The Cure: The Show of a Lost World, now accessible in cinemas, Blu-ray, and DVD formats.

Critics have lauded the album, with The Associated Press describing Songs of a Lost World as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful,” deeming it one of the band's finest works.

With his departure, fans and fellow artists alike remember Perry Bamonte as a deeply imaginative spirit whose quiet influence and musical richness left an indelible mark on one of Britain’s most significant bands.