Perry Bamonte, guitarist for The Cure, has died at the age of 65.
The band confirmed the news through their official website, revealing that the musician passed away at home over the Christmas period after suffering a brief illness.
Mr Bamonte’s death marks a significant loss for one of Britain’s most influential rock groups, with the band expressing their grief in a statement released today.
The Cure, formed in 1978, have sold more than 30 million records globally and received induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
In their tribute, the band described Mr Bamonte as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative,” calling him “a warm hearted and vital part of the cure story.”
Known affectionately as “Teddy” among his bandmates, Mr Bamonte initially served in a support capacity, “looking after the band” between 1984 and 1989.
His transition to full member came in 1990 following Roger O’Donnell’s departure from the group.
In this elevated role, he demonstrated his versatility by performing on guitar, six-string bass and keyboards across multiple studio recordings.
The band added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed.”
During his tenure as a full member spanning 14 years, Mr Bamonte contributed to several landmark albums including Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, Acoustic Hits and The Cure.
Throughout this period, he appeared in excess of 400 live performances.
After stepping away from the group, he made his return in 2022, going on to perform at approximately 90 additional concerts.
The band noted these were “some of the best in the band’s history.”
His final appearance with The Cure came at the Shows of a Lost World concert in London on November 1, 2024, bringing his remarkable second chapter with the group to a close.
Fans responded to the news across social media platforms.
One wrote: “RIP Perry Bamonte, your music with The Cure changed my life.”
Others described him as the “most liveliest member” of the band, with another stating: “The Cure fans all around the world are grieving today.”
Mr Bamonte had been scheduled to join the group’s 2026 UK and European tour, with dates planned for Cardiff, Dublin, Berlin, Edinburgh and Manchester.
The Cure’s current lineup includes Robert Smith, Simon Gallup, Roger O’Donnell, Jason Cooper and Reeves Gabrels.
Last year, the band achieved their first number one album in 32 years with Songs Of A Lost World.
Mr Bamonte was born in London on September 3, 1960, joining The Cure as part of their road crew in 1984.
He became Robert Smith’s guitar technician and personal assistant soon after.
Mr Bamonte left The Cure when Mr Smith reconfigured the band as a trio.
However, Mr Bamonte reconnected with The Cure for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2019.