Perry Bamonte, longtime guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

Following an emotional statement shared by the band, longtime The Cure guitarist and keyboardist Perry Archangelo Bamonte has sadly passed away at the age of 65 after a brief illness at his home over the Christmas period. Announced on December 26, 2025, the news resonated deeply across the global music community, and as tributes continue to surface, fans and fellow artists are reflecting on Bamonte’s lasting role in shaping the band’s legacy, sound, and emotional identity.

From crew member to core creative force, Bamonte first joined The Cure’s inner circle in 1984, working behind the scenes as a road crew member and guitar technician. However, his journey took a pivotal turn in 1990, when he transitioned into a full-time role following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. From that moment onward, his versatility became one of the band’s greatest strengths — moving fluidly between guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards across landmark albums including Wish (1992), Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), Acoustic Hits (2001), and The Cure (2004).

Across more than 400 performances during his first tenure, Perry Bamonte helped define The Cure’s atmospheric, emotive, and deeply human sound on stage. After departing the lineup in 2005, he continued to explore new creative paths — including performing with Love Amongst Ruin, before returning to The Cure in 2022 for the acclaimed Shows of a Lost World tour. His comeback included around 90 performances worldwide, culminating in the powerful Show of a Lost World concert in London in November 2024.

In 2019, Bamonte entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his bandmates — a recognition that cemented his influence on alternative music history. Today, his legacy lives on through the records he helped craft, the performances that moved millions, and the generations of listeners who discovered solace, expression, and identity through The Cure’s timeless sound.