Perry Bamonte, long-time The Cure guitarist and keyboardist, dies at 65

The Cure’s long-time guitarist and keyboardist Perry Bamonte has died aged 65.

In a statement posted on their website, the English band announced with “enormous sadness” Bamonte had died over Christmas following a short illness.

“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”

Bamonte left The Cure in 2005 after Robert Smith decided to downsize the group but was asked to return in 2022. Photo / Bob King, Redferns

Bamonte replaced founding member Roger O’Donnell in 1990, having originally been a guitar tech for the band from 1984 to 1989.

He played guitar, bass and keyboard on Wish, The Cure’s ninth album, which was a major commercial success for the gothic shoegaze band.

Featuring tracks Friday I’m In Love, A Letter to Elise and Cut, the record was nominated for a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.

Over 14 years, Bamonte played more than 400 shows with the group before he was dismissed in 2005 by frontman Robert Smith.

The musician attended The Cure’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2019 before being asked to return formally in 2022.

“He rejoined The Cure in 2022, playing another 90 shows, some of the best in the band’s history, culminating with the Show Of A Lost World concert in London 21st November 2024″, the statement reads.

One of the defining alternative bands of the 1980s, The Cure have had an outsized impact on music, inspiring artists across several genres including The Smashing Pumpkins, Beach House and Olivia Rodrigo.