Perry Bamonte, the esteemed guitarist and keyboard player for the iconic band The Cure, has passed away at the age of 65. Affectionately known as Teddy, Bamonte's death followed a short illness over the Christmas period, as announced by the band on their official website. The Cure remembered him as a "quiet, intensive, intuitive, constant and hugely creative" individual, acknowledging his crucial role in the band's history and calling him a "vital part of the Cure story".

Born in London in September 1960, Bamonte's journey with The Cure began in 1984 when he joined their road crew. This connection was facilitated by his brother, Daryl, who served as the band's tour manager at the time. After looking after the band from 1984 through 1989, Bamonte transitioned to a full-time member in 1990 following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. Over the next 14 years, he made significant musical contributions, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard on several pivotal albums, including Wish (1992), Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), Acoustic Hits (2001), and The Cure (2004). During this period, he performed in over 400 shows and was instrumental in tracks such as "Friday I’m in Love," "High," and "A Letter to Elise."

Bamonte departed from The Cure in 2005 when the band reconfigured as a trio. However, his legacy was cemented when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside The Cure in 2019. In a testament to his enduring connection with the band, he rejoined The Cure in 2022, embarking on another 90 shows. These performances were lauded by the band as "some of the best in the band’s history," culminating in the "Show of a Lost World" concert in London on November 1, 2024. The band extended their thoughts and condolences to his family, stating, "He will be very greatly missed."

Beyond his work with The Cure, Bamonte was also the bass player for the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin. This project featured former Placebo drummer Steve Hewitt and Julian Cope collaborator Donald Ross Skinner. Love Amongst Ruin released two studio albums: their self-titled debut in 2010 and Lose Your Way in 2015. Additionally, Bamonte harbored interests outside of music, building a career as an illustrator and contributing to Fly Culture magazine, reflecting his passion for fly fishing. Tributes poured in from former bandmates, with drummer Lol Tolhurst sharing on Instagram, "So sad to hear about Perry Bamonte passing. Cindy and I send our condolences to all that knew him. Farewell Teddy."