Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the quietly influential guitarist and keyboardist whose steady presence helped shape The Cure’s sound for more than three decades, has died at age 65. The band announced his passing on their official website on December 26, 2025, expressing "enormous sadness" at the loss of their beloved friend and bandmate. Bamonte died after a short illness at home over the Christmas holiday, surrounded by loved ones.
“Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story,” the band wrote in a heartfelt statement, echoing the sentiments of fans and fellow musicians worldwide. The nickname “Teddy” was used affectionately by his bandmates, reflecting the deep bonds formed over years of creative collaboration and relentless touring.
Bamonte’s journey with The Cure began humbly in 1984, not as a performer, but as a roadie and guitar technician for frontman Robert Smith. His technical acumen and dedication quickly made him indispensable behind the scenes. When keyboardist Roger O’Donnell left the band in 1990, Bamonte was invited to step into the spotlight, joining the group as a full-time member. As he once quipped in an interview, "Now, I'm one of the first to go home after a show instead of the last one to leave. It's healthier, that's for sure. Also, in the Cure we get to add our own parts to the music—tempos, accents...I think our sound is a lot more driven and noisy now. ... Though we're very separate and distinct individuals, we've evolved a sort of group mind with the music. It's a lot like science fiction, being in the Cure." (Ultimate Classic Rock)
Bamonte’s first recorded appearance came on the band’s 1992 album Wish, which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and introduced the world to enduring hits like “Friday I’m in Love” and “High.” His deft guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard work were integral to the band’s lush, orchestral sound, which The Associated Press described as “swelling and powerful.” He continued to contribute to subsequent albums, including Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), Acoustic Hits (2001), and their self-titled 2004 release. Bamonte’s musicianship also shone on live albums Paris and Show, both released in 1993, and he performed at more than 400 shows over his initial 14-year tenure.
The Cure, formed in Crawley, England in 1976 by Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey, and Lol Tolhurst, has long been cited as a major influence in goth, post-punk, and indie music. Their ever-evolving lineup and genre-defying sound have inspired acts ranging from Nine Inch Nails and Deftones to My Chemical Romance and Phoebe Bridgers. Bamonte’s creative input was a vital part of this legacy, with his understated style and versatility helping to anchor the band through its many transformations.
Despite his pivotal role, Bamonte’s time with The Cure was not without turbulence. In 2005, after performing at over 400 shows, he was dismissed from the group by Robert Smith. The reasons were never made entirely public, but Bamonte exited gracefully, turning his focus to other artistic pursuits. He became a bass player for the British supergroup Love Amongst Ruin, contributing to their 2015 album Lose Your Way. He also found solace in illustration, building a reputation for his work in the magazine Fly Culture, and indulged his passion for fly fishing—a hobby that brought him peace away from the stage’s glare (BBC).
Yet, the story didn’t end there. In 2019, Bamonte reunited with The Cure for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized the band’s profound impact on music. Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor delivered the induction speech, highlighting The Cure’s influence on generations of musicians. Bamonte and his bandmates marked the occasion with a rousing performance of classics like “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Just Like Heaven,” and “A Forest.”
The reunion proved more than ceremonial. In 2022, Bamonte officially rejoined The Cure, embarking on a tour that spanned 90 shows—some of the best in the band’s storied history, according to both fans and critics. The tour culminated in a special concert at London’s O2 Arena on November 1, 2024, launching their first new album in 16 years, Songs of a Lost World. The event, titled “The Show of a Lost World,” was filmed and released in cinemas globally in December 2025 and is now available on Blu-ray and DVD, offering fans a final glimpse of Bamonte’s artistry on stage.
Throughout his career, Bamonte was celebrated for his humility and collaborative spirit. Former Cure drummer Lol Tolhurst paid tribute on Instagram, writing, “So sad to hear about Perry Bamonte passing... Farewell Teddy.” The Cure’s official statement also extended condolences to Bamonte’s family, especially his wife, Donna. “He will be very greatly missed,” they wrote, a simple yet powerful acknowledgment of the void left behind.
Beyond the accolades and sold-out arenas, Bamonte’s legacy is one of quiet innovation and steadfast friendship. His ability to adapt—first as a roadie, then as a multi-instrumentalist, and finally as a creative force in his own right—mirrored The Cure’s own evolution. The band has received four Grammy nominations over their career, and Bamonte’s contributions were woven into the fabric of their most celebrated works.
For fans, Bamonte’s passing marks the end of an era. His last performance, captured so poignantly in “The Show of a Lost World,” stands as a testament to a life devoted to music, creativity, and camaraderie. As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, one thing is clear: Perry Bamonte’s gentle genius touched countless lives, both on and off the stage.
The world of music is a little quieter now, but the echoes of Bamonte’s talent and kindness will linger for years to come.
