Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for the legendary British gothic rock band The Cure, has died.
Bamonte passed away “after a short illness at home over Christmas,” the band said in a Dec. 26 statement on The Treatment site. He was 65.
Band members, who referred to Bamonte by his nickname “Teddy”, described him as “quiet, intense, intuitive” and “extremely creative” and said he was a “heartfelt and vital part of The Cure's story.”
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his entire family. He will be greatly missed,” they added.
Bamonte, who was born in London, worked with The Cure in various capacities from 1984 to 1989 before officially joining the band as keyboardist, guitarist and occasional six-string bassist in 1990, the band said in a statement. It first appeared on the band's 1992 album Wish, which included the Billboard Top 20 hit song “Friday I'm in Love.”
In 2005, The Cure leader, singer and guitarist Robert Smith fired Bamonte and keyboardist Roger O'Donnell to reform the band as a three-piece. Billboard reported then.
In 2019, Bamonte reunited with members of The Cure when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He returned to The Cure in 2022 and can be seen performing on stage in the band's concert film. “The Cure: The Lost World Show.” released this month.
In addition to his work with The Cure, Bamonte played bass in the British band Love Amongst Ruin, which featured former Placebo member Steve Hewitt on drums.
