Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, has died at the age of 65 after a brief illness at home over the Christmas holiday. The band confirmed his passing in a statement on their official website, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to his family.

In their message, the band described Bamonte as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative,” and said he was a “warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story.” They added that their thoughts are with his family and that he will be “very greatly missed.”

Bamonte’s connection to The Cure began in the mid-1980s when he worked as part of the band’s road crew and served as Robert Smith’s guitar technician and personal assistant. In 1990, he became a full-time member of the band, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards. Over his first 14-year tenure, he contributed to several of The Cure’s key albums, including Wish, Wild Mood Swings, and Bloodflowers, and performed in more than 400 shows.

After leaving the band in 2005, Bamonte continued his creative pursuits, including contributing musically as a bassist for the British rock supergroup Love Amongst Ruin. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Cure in 2019.

Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022 and took part in the band’s extensive touring through 2025, which included nearly 90 additional performances. The band’s “Show of a Lost World” tour included some of the most highly regarded live shows in recent memory.

His influence on The Cure’s sound spanned multiple roles and instruments, helping shape the band’s post-punk and gothic rock identity. Beyond his musical contributions, he was remembered by bandmates and peers as a thoughtful and creative artistic presence.

He is survived by his family. Further details about memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.