Perry Bamonte, member of The Cure, has passed away
Perry Bamonte, member of The Cure, has passed away
Perry Bamonte of The Cure Dies at 65
Perry Archangelo Bamonte died over Christmas 2025 at his home in England following a short illness, The Cure announced on December 26. He was 65.
From Roadie to Multi-Instrumentalist
Bamonte joined The Cure's road crew in 1984 before becoming a full-time member in 1990, filling the guitarist and keyboardist roles after Roger O'Donnell's departure. Over 14 years, he contributed to five albums—including Wish (1992) during the band's commercial peak—and performed more than 400 shows.
After departing in 2005, he reunited with the band for their 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, then rejoined full-time in 2022. His final performance came November 1, 2024, at London's The Show of a Lost World concert, tied to Songs of a Lost World—the band's first album since 2008.
The Cure Multi-Instrumentalist Passes After Brief Illness
Perry Archangelo Bamonte died at age 65 at his home in England following a brief illness. The Cure announced his death on December 26, 2025, describing him as a "warm and vital" presence whose steady nature brought calm to the band.
From Roadie to Renaissance
Born in 1960 in London, Bamonte worked as The Cure's road crew manager from 1984 before joining as a full member in 1990. He filled multiple roles—guitarist, six-string bassist, and keyboardist—across landmark albums including Wish (1992) and Bloodflowers (2000).
After departing in 2005, he reunited with the band for their 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. His final performance came November 1, 2024, at The Cure's London concert tied to their latest album, Songs of a Lost World. He is survived by his wife, Donna.
Perry Bamonte's Journey From Roadie to Essential Band Member
Perry Bamonte's path with The Cure began not on stage but behind it. From 1984 to 1989, he worked as road crew and tour manager, learning the band's creative rhythms before picking up a guitar as a full-time member in 1990. His timing proved pivotal: he joined just as The Cure entered their most commercially successful era.
Multi-Instrumental Contributions Across Three Decades
Bamonte's versatility—handling guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards—shaped five studio albums, including the platinum Wish (1992) and the introspective Bloodflowers (2000). Over 400 shows between 1990 and 2005 established him as more than a sideman; he became essential to the band's live sound. After departing in 2005, Bamonte returned for the band's 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, then rejoined full-time in 2022 for 90 additional performances through November 2024.
Why His Loss Matters to The Cure's Legacy and Recent Revival
From Roadie to Renaissance
Bamonte's loss closes a chapter for The Cure during their most visible period in years. After departing in 2005, his 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame reunion set the stage for a full return in 2022, just as the band emerged from a 16-year studio silence with Songs of a Lost World.
His multi-instrumental fluency—guitar, six-string bass, keyboards—had anchored the band's commercial peak through Wish and Bloodflowers. The timing amplifies the poignancy: his final concert came November 1, 2024, filmed for The Show of a Lost World and released weeks before his death. For a band synonymous with melancholy, Bamonte's quiet consistency shaped their sound across 400-plus shows, making his absence all the more resonant as The Cure navigate their late-career resurgence.
