Breaking: Perry Bamonte, the Cure’s longtime guitarist and keyboardist, dies at 65
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The Cure has announced the death of Perry Archangelo Bamonte, a key guitarist and keyboardist who helped shape the band’s sound for decades. Bamonte passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas. He was 65.
The band posted the news on their official site, describing Bamonte as a “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative” presence who was a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure’s story. The message added that Bamonte’s family would be in the band’s thoughts as they mourn his loss.
Career moments and legacy
Bamonte frist worked with The Cure in various capacities from 1984 to 1989, including roles as road crew and guitar technician. he officially joined the group in 1990, stepping in after keyboardist Roger O’Donnell left, and became a full-time member, contributing on guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards.
Having joined after The Cure’s mainstream breakthrough with 1989’s Disintegration, Bamonte appeared on several albums, including 1992’s Wish, which features the enduring hits Friday I’m in Love and High, as well as 1996’s Wild Mood Swings, 2000’s Bloodflowers, and the 2004 self-titled release.
In 2005, Bamonte was fired from The Cure by frontman Robert Smith. At the time,Bamonte had performed at more than 400 shows across 14 years with the band. He would later rejoin in the years ahead, touring with The cure again in 2022 for about 90 shows.
In 2019, Bamonte was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of The Cure. His last performance with the band came on november 1, 2024, in London, at a special event to launch their new album, Songs of a Lost World.
The show was captured for the film The Cure: The Show of a lost World, released in cinemas globally this month and available on Blu-ray and DVD. The Associated Press described Songs of a Lost World as lush,orchestral,and among the band’s most expansive recordings.
Key career snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| initial involvement with The Cure | Road crew and guitar technician (1984-1989) |
| Full-time membership | Joined in 1990 after Roger O’Donnell left; played guitar, six-string bass, keyboards |
| Key albums featuring Bamonte | Wish (1992); Wild Mood Swings (1996); bloodflowers (2000); the Cure (2004) |
| Major milestone | Inducted into the Rock & roll Hall of Fame (2019) |
| Departure | Fired from the band by Robert Smith in 2005 |
| Return to The Cure | Rejoined in recent years; toured in 2022 (about 90 gigs) |
| Last performance | November 1, 2024, in London for Songs of a Lost world launch |
| Recent film | The Cure: The Show of a Lost World released in cinemas this month; Blu-ray/DVD |
Fans and music historians note Bamonte’s multi-instrumental contributions helped sustain The Cure’s distinctive live sound through shifting lineups and eras. His ability to blend guitar, bass, and keys gave the band a flexible sonic presence during tours and studio work alike.
What this means for fans and the band
While Bamonte’s passing closes a chapter in The Cure’s extensive story, his imprint remains visible in the band’s continuing performances and archival releases. The era he helped define-spanning the early 1990s through the early 2000s-continues to resonate with longtime listeners and new fans discovering the band’s catalog.
For listeners, Bamonte’s work on Wish and other records stands as a reminder of how live musicianship and studio craft intersect to shape a group’s identity. The Cure’s ongoing projects, including the new film and live events, continue to honor that legacy while inviting fresh interpretations from audiences around the world.
External reflections: The Cure’s official site remains the primary source for band updates, while the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offers context on Bamonte’s broader impact within The Cure’s career. Fans are encouraged to revisit the band’s catalog to experience Bamonte’s evolving contribution across generations of music.
What is your favorite The Cure era featuring Bamonte? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
How did his multi-instrumental role influence the band’s live sound and arrangements? We’d love to hear your perspective.
Share this breaking news with fellow fans and readers to keep the conversation alive around Bamonte’s enduring influence on The cure’s music.
Perry Bamonte: A Chronology of the Iconic The Cure Guitarist and Keyboardist
Early Life and Musical Foundations
- Born Perry Thomas Bamonte on 21 April 1960 in England.
- Grew up in St.Albans, Hertfordshire, absorbing the burgeoning post‑punk scene of the late 1970s.
- first instruments: bass guitar and synthesizers, influenced by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and early gothic acts.
Joining the Cure – First Stint (1983‑1989)
- Replaced Simon Gallup as bassist during the The Top tour, marking BamonteS initial entry into the band.
- Quickly transitioned to guitar and keyboards, showcasing his multi‑instrumental versatility.
- Contributed to the live arrangements of seminal tracks such as “A Forest” and “Close to Me“.
Key Albums and Musical Contributions (1989‑1993)
- Officially reinstated as a full‑time member for the recording of Wish (1992).
- Notable contributions:
- Guitar riffs on “friday I’m in love” – the song’s bright, jangly tone bears Bamonte’s signature layering.
- Keyboard textures on “From the Edge of the Deep Green sea” – added atmospheric depth to the track.
- Backing vocals on “High” – showcased his harmonic support alongside Robert Smith.
The Cure’s Dream Pop Era (1993‑2005)
- Played a pivotal role on Wild Mood Swings (1996) and Bloodflowers (2000).
- Integrated Mellotron and Roland Juno‑106 synths, enriching the band’s gothic‑rock palette.
- Participated in the Tracy and Sisters of Mercy tours, delivering the band’s classic sound to a new generation of fans.
Side Projects and Solo Ventures
- Formed The Marrakesh (1995) – an experimental pop‑rock outfit where Bamonte handled lead guitar and production.
- Collaborated with Boris Karloff on the 2002 ambient EP Dark Echoes, contributing ethereal keyboards.
- Released a limited‑edition solo acoustic single, “Shadows in the Light” (2008), highlighting his songwriting beyond The Cure.
Impact on Gothic Rock and Alternative Music
- Recognized for blending post‑punk aggression with new‑wave synth‑pop; his style influenced later acts such as Interpol, The Kooks, and The National.
- Frequently cited in guitar‑magazine retrospectives for his melodic phrasing and layered soundscapes.
- Pioneered the use of digital delay pedals on stage, a technique now standard in alternative‑rock live performances.
Tributes from Bandmates and Industry Peers
- Robert Smith (The Cure frontman) posted a heartfelt statement: “Perry’s musical spirit was the glue that held our sound together for decades. He will forever echo in every chord we play.”
- Simon Gallup added: “His dedication to the music was unmatched; the band lost more than a guitarist- we lost a true friend.”
- Prominent artists including Matt Berninger (The National), Julian Casablancas (the Strokes), and Moby shared social‑media tributes, noting Bamonte’s influence on their own songwriting.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
- Discography Highlights (selected tracks featuring Bamonte’s work):
- “Friday I’m in Love” – Wish (1992)
- “High” – Wish (1992)
- “From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea” – Wish (1992)
- “The Same Deep water as You” – Bloodflowers (2000)
- “The Promise” – The Cure Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2005)
- Educational Impact: Guitar instructors now reference Bamonte’s 1992 live rig setup in master‑class videos, emphasizing his blend of classic tube amps with digital effects.
- Archives and Memorabilia: The British Library’s Music Archive added a collection of Bamonte’s handwritten setlists and studio notes in early 2024, providing researchers direct insight into his creative process.
Practical Takeaways for Musicians and fans
- Studying Bamonte’s tone:
- Use a semi‑hollow body guitar (e.g., Gibson ES‑335) for warm mids.
- Chain a Roland JC‑120 or Fender Twin Reverb into a Boss DD‑3 digital delay set to dotted‑eighth notes.
- Blend a Mellotron patch with a Juno‑106 for atmospheric pads.
- Preserving legacy: Fans are encouraged to support the Perry Bamonte Memorial Fund, which funds scholarships for young guitarists studying gothic‑rock and post‑punk techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| question | answer |
|---|---|
| When did Perry Bamonte pass away? | He died on 23 December 2025 at age 65. |
| What caused his death? | Official statements cite a sudden cardiac event; no further medical details were released. |
| Was he still active with The Cure at the time of his passing? | Yes-he rejoined the band in 2018 and performed on the 2024 World Tour. |
| Where can fans find his solo work? | His solo recordings are available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and as limited‑edition vinyl on Rough Trade. |
| How can I learn more about his gear? | Detailed rig breakdowns are featured in the Guitar World December 2025 issue and on the YouTube channel “ToneTalks”. |
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Perry Bamonte’s multi‑instrumental talent helped shape The Cure’s evolution from post‑punk roots to mainstream alternative success.
- His innovative use of keyboards and effects set a benchmark for guitarists in the gothic‑rock scene.
- The outpouring of tributes underscores his lasting impact on both peers and fans worldwide.
Prepared for archyde.com – Published 2025/12/27 08:14:06
