The Cure musician Perry Bamonte’s death treated as unexplained as police launch inquiry

Police have opened a probe into the death of former The Cure band member Perry Bamonte. Photo / Getty Images

Police are now treating the recent death of Perry Bamonte, former The Cure guitarist and keyboardist, as “unexplained” – a development his widow calls “complete and utter nonsense”.

While it was initially reported the 65-year-old had died on Christmas Eve after a battle with bowel cancer, a probe into the circumstances of his death began on January 23, according to the Daily Mail.

Police have confirmed the death has been recategorised as “unexplained but not suspicious”.

Blood tests were reportedly drawn and an examination undertaken ahead of Bamonte’s cremation last week following a call from a concerned family member.

A source told the Sun the musician’s death had been unexpected as he was “not widely thought to be at death’s door” despite his illness.

“After he passed, a family member was alarmed about something he had been told. It led to contact with the coroner, undertaker, and police.”

The nature of the family member’s concerns remain unclear.

Perry Bamonte's widow Donna has called the new probe "bulls***". Photo / Donna Bamonte

“It is a shocking development and so upsetting for everyone involved,” the source said.

But Bamonte’s widow Donna has called the investigation “bulls***”, claiming the death is easily explained by his long-standing terminal illness.

“His doctors can confirm he was first diagnosed in 2020 and had the all-clear in 2021, but there was a recurrence in 2024,” she told the Sun.

She said she has not been in contact with the authorities since her late husband’s death, slamming the new inquiry as “complete and utter nonsense”.

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 The Cure’s 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.

In a statement released to their website, the band memorialised the multi-instrumentalist, who they said would “be very greatly missed”.

“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 his family.”