What's happened
Perry Bamonte, a key member of The Cure since 1990, died at age 65 after a short illness over Christmas. He played guitar, bass, and keyboards on multiple albums and performed over 400 shows. Bamonte rejoined the band in 2022 and was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2019.
What's behind the headline?
Bamonte's death marks the loss of a vital figure in The Cure's history, highlighting the band's evolving lineup over decades. His rejoining in 2022 and participation in their latest album and tour demonstrate his enduring influence and the band's resilience. The band’s statement emphasizes his warmth and creativity, underscoring his importance to their story. Bamonte's passing also reflects the ongoing toll of health issues among musicians from the era, raising questions about the physical toll of long-term touring and performance. His contributions helped shape the band's sound during a critical period, and his death will likely prompt reflections on the band’s legacy and future direction.
What the papers say
The New York Times, Sky News, AP News, Reuters, The Independent, and NY Post all confirm Bamonte's death at age 65 after a short illness over Christmas. While some sources highlight his role as a full-time member from 1990 and his contributions to key albums, others note his rejoining in 2022 and recent performances. The New York Times emphasizes his work on albums like 'Wish' and 'Bloodflowers,' while Sky News and AP focus on his rejoining the band in recent years and his influence. The NY Post and The Independent provide details about his early work as a roadie and guitarist, as well as his side projects. Despite slight variations in emphasis, all sources agree on his significance to The Cure and his passing at home during Christmas, with a shared tone of mourning and respect.
How we got here
Perry Bamonte joined The Cure in 1990 following the departure of keyboardist Roger O'Donnell. He contributed to several albums, including 'Wish' and 'Bloodflowers,' and performed in over 400 shows over 14 years. Bamonte was fired in 2005 but rejoined the band in 2022 for a series of performances, including their recent London concert in November 2024. He was also a member of the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin and an illustrator with a keen interest in fly fishing.
Go deeper
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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.