Biography
Perry Archangelo Bamonte was an English musician and visual artist best known for his long association with the legendary alternative rock band The Cure. Born on 3 September 1960 in London, England, Bamonte became a respected figure in post-punk and gothic rock, admired for his understated talent, loyalty to the music, and behind-the-scenes dedication that eventually brought him into the spotlight. His career spanned more than four decades, and his contributions helped shape some of The Cure’s most memorable live and studio moments.
Perry Bamonte grew up in London and was exposed to music early in life. His younger brother, Daryl Bamonte, worked as a tour manager for major bands including The Cure and Depeche Mode, which would later become a crucial link in Perry’s professional journey. Through this family connection, Bamonte joined The Cure’s road crew in 1984, initially working behind the scenes rather than on stage.
During this period, Bamonte served as guitar technician and personal assistant to Robert Smith, the band’s frontman. Although he was already a capable guitarist, his time with the band became a period of musical growth. He learned to play keyboards and piano, receiving guidance from Janet Smith, Robert Smith’s sister. This quiet training phase laid the foundation for his eventual transition from crew member to full band member.
In 1990, when longtime keyboardist Roger O’Donnell left the band, Bamonte was promoted to an official member of The Cure. He took on a flexible role, contributing keyboards, guitar, bass, and occasional percussion, depending on the band’s needs. His adaptability made him an essential part of the group during the 1990s.
Career
Perry Bamonte made his first studio appearance as a full member of The Cure on the album “Wish”, released in 1992. The album was a major success and marked one of the band’s most popular eras. He continued with The Cure through several albums and extensive world tours, performing in front of millions of fans and helping to recreate the band’s layered, atmospheric sound on stage.
As band dynamics changed, particularly with the departure of guitarist Porl Thompson and the later return of Roger O’Donnell, Bamonte’s responsibilities shifted. He became more focused on guitar work, adding texture and depth to The Cure’s live performances. Despite not being a high-profile personality, he was widely respected for his professionalism and musical sensitivity.
In 2005, Bamonte and O’Donnell were dismissed from the band as Robert Smith sought to restructure The Cure as a three-piece. Although the decision came as a surprise, there was no public conflict, and Bamonte remained on amicable terms with Smith.
After leaving The Cure, Bamonte stepped away from the mainstream music scene. He focused on fly fishing and developed a parallel career as an illustrator, contributing artwork and written pieces to the magazine Fly Culture. His artistic work reflected the same quiet creativity that defined his music career.
In 2012, Bamonte returned to music as the bassist for the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin. He appeared on their 2015 album “Lose Your Way”, earning praise for his restrained and melodic bass playing.
In 2019, he reunited publicly with past and present members of The Cure during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Then, in a move that surprised fans, Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022 for the band’s Shows of a Lost World tour. He remained with the band until the end of his life, marking a full-circle return to the group that defined his career.
Personal Life
Perry Bamonte was known as a private and reserved individual. He avoided media attention and rarely spoke publicly about his personal life. Friends and colleagues often described him as gentle, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his craft. Outside music, he had a strong passion for nature, particularly fly fishing, and spent much of his later life focusing on art and personal creativity.
Unlike many musicians of his generation, Bamonte did not chase fame. Instead, he preferred a balanced life, choosing meaningful work and personal peace over constant public exposure.
Cause of Death
Perry Bamonte died in December 2025 at the age of 65. According to confirmed reports, he passed away at home following a short illness that developed around Christmas Day 2025. No specific medical condition was publicly disclosed by his family or representatives.
Out of respect for his privacy, further details about the illness were not released. His death was described as peaceful, and tributes from fans and fellow musicians highlighted his kindness, loyalty, and lasting impact on The Cure’s sound and legacy.
Legacy
Perry Bamonte’s legacy is one of quiet influence rather than celebrity. He proved that not every great musician needs to stand at the center of the stage to leave a mark. His work with The Cure across multiple decades, his return during the band’s final touring era, and his devotion to music and art earned him lasting respect.
Though he often worked in the background, his presence was deeply felt, and his contributions continue to resonate with fans of alternative and gothic rock around the world.
Conclusion
Perry Bamonte’s life and career tell the story of a quiet but deeply influential musician who helped shape the sound and atmosphere of one of the most important alternative bands in music history. From his early days behind the scenes as a road crew member and guitar technician, to standing on stage as a full member of The Cure, Bamonte’s journey was built on patience, dedication, and genuine love for music. He was never the loudest presence in the room, but his layered guitar work, textured keyboards, and artistic sensibility added depth to The Cure’s evolving sound during some of their most memorable years.
Beyond the spotlight, Perry Bamonte lived a creative and grounded life. His love for illustration, fly fishing, and quieter pursuits showed a man who valued balance over fame. Even after his dismissal from the band in 2005, he carried no public bitterness, later reuniting with The Cure and proving that respect and friendship had endured over time. His return to the stage in 2022 was met with warmth from fans who recognized his importance to the band’s legacy.
Bamonte’s death in December 2025, following a short illness, marked the end of a meaningful chapter in alternative music. Though he may not have chased celebrity, his contribution continues to echo through the songs, tours, and memories shared by fans around the world. Perry Bamonte will be remembered not only as a talented musician, but as an artist who stayed true to himself until the very end.
FAQs
Who was Perry Bamonte?
Perry Bamonte was an English musician and artist best known for being a guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure from 1990 to 2005, and again from 2022 until his death in 2025. He was also the bassist for the band Love Amongst Ruin.
What role did Perry Bamonte play in The Cure?
Bamonte played guitar, keyboards, and occasionally bass and percussion. He contributed to several major albums, including Wish, and helped shape The Cure’s live and studio sound during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Why did Perry Bamonte leave The Cure in 2005?
In 2005, Perry Bamonte and Roger O’Donnell were dismissed as part of Robert Smith’s decision to temporarily restructure The Cure as a three-piece band. Despite this, Bamonte remained on good terms with Smith.
What was Perry Bamonte’s cause of death?
Perry Bamonte died in December 2025 at the age of 65 after a short illness. He passed away at home, and no further medical details were publicly disclosed.
Did Perry Bamonte return to The Cure before his death?
Yes, Perry Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022 for their Shows of a Lost World tour, marking a quiet but meaningful return that was warmly received by fans worldwide.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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