New York Icon Perry Bamonte, Longtime Member of The Cure, Passes Away at 65

Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the revered guitarist and keyboardist for the influential goth band The Cure, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The news of his death was confirmed by the band on their official website.

“It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the band announced in a statement.

Described as quiet, intense, intuitive, and hugely creative, Bamonte, affectionately known as ‘Teddy,’ was a vital part of The Cure story. His warm-hearted nature and immense talent will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bamonte’s journey with The Cure began in 1984 when he worked with the band in various roles, including as a roadie and guitar tech. He officially joined the group in 1990, taking over as keyboardist after Roger O’Donnell’s departure. Throughout his time with the band, Bamonte showcased his musical prowess by playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard.

Joining The Cure just after their mainstream breakthrough with the album “Disintegration” in 1989, Bamonte contributed to several of the band’s albums, including the iconic “Wish” in 1992, which featured hits like “Friday I’m in Love” and “High.” He also played on albums such as “Wild Mood Swings” (1996), “Bloodflowers” (2000), and the self-titled release in 2004.

After being fired from The Cure by frontman Robert Smith in 2005, Bamonte later reunited with the band for a series of tours, including a 2022 tour that spanned 90 gigs. In 2019, he was honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his bandmates.

His final performance with The Cure took place on November 1, 2024, in London for a special event celebrating the release of their latest album, “Songs of a Lost World.” The concert was captured in the film “The Cure: The Show of a Lost World,” which is now available for viewing in cinemas worldwide and on Blu-ray and DVD.

The Associated Press praised “Songs of a Lost World” as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful,” highlighting it as one of the band’s standout albums in their illustrious career.