Obituary: Perry Bamonte (1960–2025), The “Quiet, Intense” Architect of The Cure’s Sound

Image: from Rolling Stone X@RollingStone

By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies | December 27, 2025

LONDON — The music world is in mourning following the announcement that Perry Bamonte, the versatile and long-serving guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, passed away at his home over the Christmas holiday. He was 65.

According to an official statement released by the band, Bamonte died following a short illness. Described by his bandmates as “quiet, intense, intuitive, and hugely creative,” the musician, affectionately known as “Teddy”, was a cornerstone of the group’s evolution across four decades.

From Roadie to Rockstar

Bamonte’s journey with The Cure began behind the scenes. Between 1984 and 1989, he was a fixture on the road, “looking after the band” as part of their technical crew. His deep understanding of the band’s inner workings and musical language led to his promotion to full-time member in 1990, following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell.

Over the next 14 years, Bamonte became a multi-instrumentalist powerhouse, contributing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards to some of the band’s most defining works:

• Wish (1992): Featuring the global hit “Friday I’m in Love.”

• Wild Mood Swings (1996)

• Bloodflowers (2000)

• The Cure (2004)

During this initial tenure, he performed more than 400 shows, cementing his place in the “Cure story” as a constant and vital presence.

The Return and the “Lost World”

After leaving the lineup in 2005, Bamonte made a triumphant return to the stage with Robert Smith and company in 2022. A renewed vigor characterized his second stint; he played another 90 shows that the band described as “some of the best in the band’s history.”

His final performance took place at the “Show of a Lost World” concert in London on November 1, 2024, a poignant conclusion to a career that bridged the band’s post-punk roots with their modern legacy.

A Lasting Legacy

Bamonte was scheduled to rejoin his bandmates, Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Roger O’Donnell, Jason Cooper, and Reeves Gabrels, for a highly anticipated 2026 UK and European tour, including stops in Dublin, Berlin, and Manchester.

In their tribute, the band expressed profound grief:

“He was a warm-hearted and vital part of the Cure story… Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”

Perry Bamonte’s contribution to alternative rock lies in his subtlety and technical range. Whether layering atmospheric synths or driving a six-string bass line, he provided the steady, intuitive foundation that allowed The Cure’s “Lost World” to thrive.

Career Summary: Perry Bamonte