What's happened
Perry Bamonte, a key member of The Cure, died at age 65 after a short illness over Christmas. He played with the band from 1984, rejoining in 2022, and contributed to many of their iconic albums and performances. His death is confirmed by multiple sources.
What's behind the headline?
Bamonte's role in The Cure highlights his importance in shaping the band's sound during their most influential years. His rejoining in 2022 and participation in their latest album and tour underscore his enduring legacy. His death marks the loss of a versatile musician who contributed significantly to the band's success. The timing over the holiday season emphasizes the suddenness of his passing, and the band’s public mourning reflects his vital role. This event may prompt reflections on the band’s future direction and the enduring impact of Bamonte’s work. His passing also underscores the often-overlooked contributions of band members who are not frontmen but are essential to a band's creative output.
What the papers say
Sky News, AP News, The Independent, and NY Post all confirm Bamonte's death at age 65, emphasizing his long-standing role in The Cure and his contributions to their music. While Sky News and The Independent focus on his musical legacy and recent rejoining, AP News highlights his earlier roles and the circumstances of his passing. The NY Post notes the band’s current lineup and their statement. The coverage collectively underscores Bamonte’s significance in the band’s history and the shock of his sudden passing during the holiday period.
How we got here
Perry Bamonte joined The Cure initially as a roadie and guitarist in 1984, becoming a full member in 1990 after keyboardist Roger O'Donnell left. He played on several major albums, including 'Wish' and 'Bloodflowers,' and performed over 400 shows. Bamonte was fired in 2005 but rejoined the band in 2022, performing until his last show in November 2024. His death follows a brief illness during Christmas.
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The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978. The band members have changed several times, with guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member.