Perry Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, has died at the age of 65. The band confirmed his death in a statement, saying he passed away at home over Christmas after a short illness, according to reports shared with the local news.
In their tribute, the band described him as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative,” words that reflected how closely he was tied to their sound. They said he played an essential role in the band’s story and helped shape its long running legacy.
Bamonte was born in London on September 3, 1960, and first connected with The Cure as a guitar technician in the late 1980s. In 1990, he officially joined the lineup and became a full member during the recording of the Wish album.
His contributions during that period included guitar, keyboards, and bass, and he played on tracks like “Friday I’m in Love.” Throughout the 1990s, he appeared on albums such as Wish, Wild Mood Swings, and Bloodflowers, while touring extensively with the band.
After leaving the group in 2005, Bamonte continued working on independent music projects and stayed active in the alternative and gothic rock scene. In later years, he reunited with the band for live performances, reconnecting with fans who never forgot his quiet influence.