Perry Bamonte, Influential Guitarist and Keyboardist for The Cure, Dies at 65 After a Short Illness

26 December 2025

Perry Bamonte in June 2023 in Clarkston, Mich. Credit : Scott Legato/Getty

Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the English musician best known for his long-standing role as guitarist and keyboardist in the legendary rock band the Cure, has died at the age of 65 after a brief illness at his home over the Christmas holidays, a loss mourned by fans and fellow musicians around the world. The band confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement on their official website, describing him as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative,” and noting that he was “a warm hearted and vital part of the Cure story,” leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation and deep influence that spanned decades of post-punk, gothic and alternative rock music.

Born in London in September 1960, Bamonte’s journey with the Cure began far from the spotlight. He initially worked in a supportive role with the band beginning in 1984, serving as a roadie and guitar technician during a formative period that saw the group evolve from its roots in the late 1970s into one of the most respected and enduring acts in modern rock. Those early years immersed him in the band’s creative process and touring life, preparing him for the major role he would play once he officially joined the lineup.

In 1990, Bamonte became a full-time member of the Cure following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. This transition came shortly after the band’s commercial breakthrough with the 1989 album Disintegration, and Bamonte seized the moment, contributing his musical talents on guitar, six-string bass and keyboards. His recording debut with the group came on the 1992 album Wish, which featured some of the Cure’s most beloved material and solidified their place in the international music scene. Over the next decade and more, Bamonte would leave his imprint on several of the band’s key albums, including Wild Mood Swings in 1996, Bloodflowers in 2000, and the self-titled The Cure in 2004, helping shape the band’s evolving sound and creative identity.

Bamonte’s contributions were not limited to studio recordings. Over his 14-year first tenure with the Cure, he performed in more than 400 concerts, becoming a familiar presence on stage and an integral part of the band’s dynamic live shows. His musicianship, blending expressive guitar lines with atmospheric keyboard textures, helped define a distinctive sound that resonated with fans across generations and genres, from post-punk purists to alternative rock devotees.

In 2005, Bamonte’s initial run with the Cure came to an unexpected end when frontman Robert Smith reconfigured the band’s lineup. While this change marked the close of one chapter in his musical career, it was not the end of his artistic journey. He continued to pursue music with enthusiasm, including a period as a member of the British rock group Love Amongst Ruin, where he brought his rich experience and creative energy to new collaborations and projects.

The Cure and Bamonte’s fans alike welcomed him back into the fold in 2022, when he rejoined the band for their Shows of a Lost World tour, a critically acclaimed series of performances that celebrated the group’s rich catalog and showcased their enduring appeal. During this second stint, he played another 90 shows, many of which are now remembered as some of the band’s most powerful and electrifying live moments, culminating in standout performances such as the London concert in November 2024 that was later captured in the film The Show of a Lost World.

Bamonte’s role in the Cure extended beyond performance; his presence was woven into the fabric of the band’s history. In 2019, the Cure were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized the contributions of all band members, including Bamonte, and cemented their influence on the landscape of modern music. Fans and critics alike have praised his ability to blend melodic sensitivity with experimental edge, a combination that helped expand the emotional and sonic range of the band’s work.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bamonte was known to those close to him as a thoughtful and dedicated musician whose quiet intensity belied the creative force at his core. The band’s tribute emphasized his warmth and creative spirit, qualities that made him not just a respected collaborator but a beloved friend. His passing over the Christmas holiday has drawn an outpouring of tributes from fans around the world, many of whom credit his music with shaping their own lives and experiences, especially through the Cure’s deeply resonant explorations of love, loss, hope and identity.

In cities around the world, celebrations of the Cure’s music have taken on new emotional weight in the wake of Bamonte’s death. One such example occurred in San Francisco, where an annual dance party dedicated to the band’s music was transformed into a moment of remembrance, allowing fans to come together to honor his life and the impact of his work on their personal and collective soundtracks.

Perry Bamonte is survived by his wife, Donna, and the vast community of musicians and listeners who found meaning and solace in his recordings and performances. As the world continues to mourn his loss, his music remains a testament to a remarkable career built on creativity, collaboration and an enduring commitment to artistic expression.