Perry Bamonte, Guitarist for The Cure, Dies at 65

Perry Bamonte, a musician closely associated with the band The Cure, has passed away at the age of 65. His history with the group was extensive, spanning nearly four decades.

Bamonte first became involved with the band in 1984, initially serving in a technical capacity. Over time, his role evolved significantly, leading to a 14-year period as the band's guitarist. His musical contributions included playing the six-string bass during his time as a guitarist. More recently, he adapted his talents to a new instrument, taking on keyboard duties starting in 2022.

Before becoming a full-time touring member, Perry Bamonte established his presence within the band's infrastructure. He began his journey with The Cure in 1984 as part of the technical team.

This initial role provided him with a unique perspective on the band's operations and sound. Working behind the scenes allowed him to develop a deep understanding of their musical requirements long before he picked up an instrument on stage. His transition from technician to musician demonstrated a natural progression of his talents and dedication to the group.

Bamonte's time as a guitarist for the band was marked by longevity and versatility. He held the position for a significant period of 14 years.

During this era of the band's history, Bamonte was responsible for providing the six-string bass foundation for many of their tracks. His playing style contributed to the distinct sonic texture that defined the band's sound during those years. This specific instrumentation choice highlighted his adaptability as a musician, capable of handling unique variations of standard guitar and bass roles.

In a notable career shift, Perry Bamonte changed instruments within the band in 2022. He moved from the guitar section to the keyboard lineup.

This transition marked a new chapter in his musical contributions to The Cure. Switching from stringed instruments to synthesizers and keyboards requires a different technical skillset and musical approach. His ability to make this switch successfully speaks to his broad musical capabilities. This change occurred relatively recently, showing his continued involvement with the group into the present day.

The passing of Perry Bamonte represents the loss of a key figure in the history of The Cure. His contributions spanned two distinct eras of the band's musical evolution.

From his early days supporting the band technically to his years providing the six-string bass and later keyboard melodies, Bamonte was an integral part of the group's machinery. His career trajectory from technician to multi-instrumentalist highlights a life dedicated to the craft of music and the specific needs of the band. The dual nature of his service—both behind the scenes and on stage—cemented his status as a devoted member of the The Cure family.