Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Perry Archangelo Bamonte, a pivotal figure in The Cure's musical journey, has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The band confirmed his death in a poignant statement on their official website, revealing that he passed away at home following a brief illness during the Christmas season.
The band expressed their immense sorrow, stating, “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our dear friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte.” They fondly recalled his qualities of being “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and enormously creative,” highlighting his warm nature and significant influence within the band's storied history. They extended their condolences to his family, emphasizing how much he will be missed.
Bamonte’s journey with The Cure started long before his official membership. From 1984 to 1989, he contributed behind the scenes as a roadie and guitar tech. His hard work and musical talent led to a permanent role in 1990, following the exit of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. He became a vital part of the band, contributing on guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards.
After joining shortly after the success of the 1989 album Disintegration, Bamonte played on several key releases, including Wish (1992), which featured timeless tracks such as “Friday I’m in Love” and “High,” as well as Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), and The Cure (2004). His intricate playing significantly shaped the emotive sound the band became known for during that period.
In 2005, Bamonte parted ways with the band at the direction of frontman Robert Smith after over a decade of contributions. During his time, he performed in more than 400 shows across 14 years. However, their relationship was later mended, and he rejoined The Cure for their extensive tour in 2022, playing nearly 90 concerts.
In 2019, Bamonte's contributions to the music scene were officially recognized when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Cure, solidifying his legacy in the band's history.
His last performance took place on November 1, 2024, during a special concert in London to promote Songs of a Lost World, The Cure’s first studio album in 16 years. The concert was also filmed and released globally as The Cure: The Show of a Lost World, available in cinemas and on Blu-ray and DVD.
Reviewing the album, The Associated Press hailed Songs of a Lost World as “lush and deeply orchestral, swelling and powerful,” considering it one of the band’s most outstanding releases.
As the music community grieves, Perry Bamonte is remembered as a profoundly creative beacon whose quiet, impactful presence resonated within one of Britain’s most beloved bands.
English
