Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic British rock band the Cure, has died aged 65 after a “short illness” at home on December 25, 2025, the band confirmed. The sudden loss was announced on the Cure’s official website and has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and peers.
Fast Facts
- Full name: Perry Bamonte — guitarist, keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist for the Cure.
- Age at death: 65. Passed away at home on Dec. 25, 2025 after a “short illness.”
- Band statement: Robert Smith, Simon Gallup and Jason Cooper called him “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative.”
- Career highlights: Played on Wish, Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers; rejoined the Cure in 2022; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (2019).
- Survived by: his wife, Donna.
The Legacy
Bamonte first joined the Cure’s orbit in 1984 as a guitar technician and officially became a full member in 1990. Across more than a decade he contributed guitar, six-string bass and keyboards on landmark albums including Wish, Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers, and performed more than 400 shows over 14 years. He rejoined the band in 2022 and played roughly 90 more dates, culminating in the celebrated Show of a Lost World concert run and the recent concert film.
As a musician, Bamonte’s musicianship underscored many of the Cure’s best-known moments. Top highlights associated with his time in the band include:
- “Just Like Heaven” — a defining Cure era track the band remains known for.
- “Friday I’m in Love” — a global hit that contrasted the band’s darker textures with pop brilliance.
- “Pictures of You” — emblematic of the Cure’s emotional reach and Bamonte’s era of contributions.
Beyond individual songs, Bamonte’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Cure in 2019 cemented his place in rock history. His final filmed performance with the group was captured at London’s Troxy on Nov. 1, 2024, and appears in the newly released concert documentary The Show of a Lost World.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
The band’s statement described Bamonte, nicknamed “Teddy,” as “a warm hearted and vital part of the Cure story,” and closed with condolences to his family: “He will be very greatly missed.” Robert Smith, Simon Gallup and Jason Cooper’s words set the tone for tributes that poured in across social networks and music communities.
Fans, fellow musicians and journalists took to Twitter and Instagram to share memories of Bamonte’s stage presence and kindness behind the scenes. Many highlighted his role in some of the Cure’s most beloved tours and praised the recent reunion shows as career highlights. Fellow artists noted his tasteful playing and steady musical intuition.
Born in London on September 3, 1960, Bamonte moved from behind-the-scenes technician to central contributor over decades with the Cure. After leaving the band in 2005 he worked with projects including Love Amongst Ruin but remained part of the Cure’s recorded and live legacy.
Our thoughts are with Bamonte’s wife Donna and his wider family and friends at this deeply sad time. This article was compiled from the band’s announcement and reporting by the New York Post.
Image Referance: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/celebrity-deaths/the-cure-guitarist-perry-bamonte-dead-at-65-after-a-short-illness/news-story/e050b19355589f99456f363bd78be913