perry Bamonte, a guitarist and keyboardist best known for his extensive work with the iconic British band The Cure, has died at age 65. The band confirmed BamonteS passing on Friday, marking a loss for both long-time fans and the broader alternative music community [[1]]. bamonte’s career with The Cure spanned decades, beginning as a roadie in 1984 and evolving into a key creative force on stage and in the studio, contributing to some of their most celebrated albums.
Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist for iconic British rock band The Cure, has died at the age of 65. The news was confirmed by the band on Friday evening, following reports from family members, as reported by Variety. Bamonte passed away at his home during the holiday season after a short illness.
“He was quiet, intense, intuitive, reliable, incredibly creative and warm,” The Cure wrote in a statement. “He was a key component of The Cure story.” The band’s tribute speaks to Bamonte’s significant, yet often understated, role in shaping their signature sound, a sound that has influenced generations of alternative and gothic rock musicians.
Bamonte’s journey with The Cure began humbly, initially working as a roadie, setting up stages and hauling equipment. He eventually became Robert Smith’s guitar technician, a position that allowed him to closely observe and learn from the band’s frontman. In 1990, when keyboardist Roger O’Donnell temporarily left the group, Bamonte stepped in, officially joining the lineup. He contributed to the band’s 1992 album, Wish, and remained a core member until 2005, when Smith restructured the band into a trio.
He rejoined his former bandmates in 2019 for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From 2022 until his death, Bamonte once again regularly toured with The Cure, delighting fans with his musicianship.
“His guitar, six-string bass or keyboards can be heard on Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, Acoustic Hits and The Cure,” his bandmates shared.
Throughout his time with the band, Bamonte participated in nearly 500 performances. He was also part of the lineup for the concert premiere of the band’s latest album, The Show of a Lost World, which took place last November at the Troxy in London and was screened in select cinemas. “Perry will be greatly missed,” The Cure said in their statement.
The Cure has a dedicated following in the Czech Republic, having played eight shows there, most recently in Prague’s O2 arena in Fall 2022, with Bamonte on keyboards and guitar for the entire evening.
The band is scheduled to headline an extra day at the Pohoda Festival in Slovakia next year, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Trenčín Airport, performing songs from their latest album, Songs of a Lost World. Tickets for this standalone concert currently cost 119 euros (approximately $128 USD). According to Variety, Bamonte was expected to be part of The Cure’s lineup for the upcoming tour.
