The music world is in mourning following the death of Perry Bamonte, the multi-instrumentalist who spent over a decade shaping the iconic sound of the legendary British rock band, The Cure. Bamonte passed away at the age of 65. The news was confirmed by his former bandmates, sending waves of grief through the global fan community.
A Decade-Long Tenure with a Legendary Band
Perry Bamonte's journey with The Cure began not as a performer, but behind the scenes. He initially worked as a roadie and guitar technician for the band. His big break came in 1990 when he was officially recruited to play keyboards and rhythm guitar following the departure of keyboardist Roger O'Donnell. This marked the start of a significant chapter for both Bamonte and the band.
He made his studio debut on what is considered one of The Cure's most successful albums, 'Wish' (1992). This album featured global hits like 'Friday I'm in Love' and 'High,' with Bamonte's contributions integral to their rich, layered sound. His versatile musicianship allowed him to seamlessly transition between guitar and keyboards across live performances and recordings.
Bamonte remained a core member of The Cure for 12 years, contributing to several pivotal projects. These included the albums 'Wild Mood Swings' (1996) and 'Bloodflowers' (2000), as well as the band's celebrated performance at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995. His era in the band is remembered for its expansive, atmospheric musicality.
Leaving The Cure and Later Musical Pursuits
In 2005, a significant lineup change occurred within The Cure. Perry Bamonte and guitarist Roger O'Donnell were replaced by the returning Porl Thompson (now known as Pearl Thompson). This shift marked the end of Bamonte's official tenure with the iconic group he had helped define throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Following his departure from The Cure, Bamonte did not step away from music. He continued to explore his artistic passions, focusing on painting and photography. He also remained musically active, collaborating with other artists and working on personal projects. His creative spirit endured well beyond his years in the international spotlight.
Tributes Pour In for a Beloved Figure
The announcement of his passing was made by his former bandmates. The Cure's official social media accounts posted a simple yet poignant message: 'We are saddened to hear of the passing of Perry Bamonte who was with the band from 1990 to 2005. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.' This statement has been met with an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow musicians worldwide.
Fans have flooded online forums and social media with tributes, sharing memories of his performances and expressing gratitude for his role in creating the soundtrack to their lives. Many have highlighted his quiet, steady presence on stage, often providing the crucial musical texture that allowed The Cure's songs to soar. His death represents the loss of a key piece of the band's storied history.
While the specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by the family, the focus remains on celebrating his life and legacy. Perry Bamonte is survived by his wife and family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. His musical contributions, immortalised in some of alternative rock's most enduring anthems, ensure he will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
