Perry Bamonte, The Cure’s long-time guitarist and keyboardist, dies at 65
Perry Bamonte, longtime The Cure guitarist and keyboardist, died at 65 after illness. Inducted into the Rock Hall in 2019, he rejoined for 2022 tours.
Overview
Perry Bamonte was The Cure's guitarist and keyboardist, contributing across eras and earning induction with the band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
At the time of his death, he was 65 years old, the result of a short illness reported by family and representatives.
Bamonte's band history included roadie and guitar technician roles from 1984 to 1989, before joining The Cure in 1990 to replace keyboardist Roger O'Donnell.
He then served as full-time guitarist, six-string bassist, and keyboardist, before being dismissed by Robert Smith in 2005, ending a long active tenure.
Bamonte returned to the stage with The Cure during the 2022 tour, performing about 90 shows, having previously logged more than 400 performances over 14 years.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the story of Perry Bamonte's passing with a neutral tone, focusing on his contributions to The Cure and his personal interests. The reporting avoids loaded language, offering a balanced view by highlighting his musical achievements and personal hobbies. The structure is straightforward, providing a comprehensive overview without bias or selective emphasis.
FAQ
Perry Bamonte died at home after a short illness; the band announced his passing in late December 2025 and said he passed away over Christmas at age 65.
Bamonte began as a roadie and guitar technician (1984–1989), became a full-time member in 1990 playing guitar, six-string bass and keyboards, contributed to albums including Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers and The Cure, and performed over 400 shows across his initial 14-year tenure.
He was dismissed from the band in 2005 when Robert Smith reduced the lineup, and later rejoined the band unannounced in 2022 for the Shows of a Lost World tour, playing roughly 90 additional shows.
Yes; as a member of The Cure he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Cure issued a statement mourning Bamonte as a ‘warm hearted and vital’ part of the band and expressed condolences to his family; media outlets reported the band’s announcement and summarized his career.
