Perry Archangelo Bamonte, a longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic goth-rock band The Cure, has died at age 65, the band announced Friday. According to The Associated Press, Bamonte passed away at home over Christmas following a short illness.
A Beloved Bandmate
In a statement posted on The Cure’s official website, the band remembered Bamonte as a deeply creative and integral presence. Members described him as “quiet, intense, intuitive” and said he played a vital role in shaping the group’s history. They extended condolences to his family, noting he would be “very greatly missed.”
From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage
Bamonte began working with The Cure in the mid-1980s as a roadie and guitar technician before officially joining the band in 1990. He stepped in as a full-time member after keyboardist Roger O’Donnell’s departure, contributing guitar, six-string bass and keyboards during a pivotal era for the group.
Albums and Hits
Joining shortly after the band’s commercial breakthrough with Disintegration, Bamonte appeared on several major albums. These included Wish (1992), featuring hits like “Friday I’m in Love” and “High,” as well as Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000) and the band’s 2004 self-titled album.
Departures, Returns and Honors
After performing more than 400 shows over 14 years, Bamonte was dismissed from the band in 2005 by frontman Robert Smith. He later rejoined The Cure and toured with them again in 2022, adding another 90 performances. In 2019, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the band.
Final Performance and Lasting Legacy
Bamonte’s final show with The Cure took place Nov. 1, 2024, in London at a special event celebrating Songs of a Lost World, the band’s first album in 16 years. The performance was filmed for a concert movie released globally this month. The Associated Press praised the album as “lush and deeply orchestral,” calling it one of the strongest releases of the band’s career.
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