the band confirmed in an emotional statement published on December 26. According to the announcement, Bamonte passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period after a short illness.
In their tribute, The Cure described Bamonte — affectionately nicknamed “Teddy” — as a “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative” presence, emphasizing that he was a warm-hearted figure and a vital chapter in the band’s long and influential history.
Although he officially became a full-time member in 1990, Bamonte’s relationship with The Cure began years earlier. He first joined the band in 1984 as a roadie, gradually becoming an essential collaborator behind the scenes before stepping into a central musical role on stage and in the studio. His versatility allowed him to contribute guitar, six-string bass and keyboards, adding depth and texture to the band’s evolving sound.
Bamonte played a key role on several of The Cure’s most important releases, including Wish (1992), the Grammy-nominated album that reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured the global hit “Friday I’m in Love.” He also appeared on Wild Mood Swings (1996), Bloodflowers (2000), Acoustic Hits (2001) and the band’s self-titled album released in 2004. During this period, he performed in more than 400 concerts worldwide, becoming a familiar and beloved presence for fans.
After leaving the band in 2005, Bamonte remained closely associated with The Cure’s legacy. In 2019, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the group, with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor delivering the induction speech — a testament to The Cure’s massive influence on alternative and rock music.
In a move celebrated by fans, Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022, taking part in approximately 90 additional shows. The band later described this era as one of their strongest live periods, culminating in The Show of a Lost World concert in London on November 1, 2024.
Since the release of their debut album Three Imaginary Boys in 1979, The Cure has influenced generations of artists, including Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, My Chemical Romance, The Smashing Pumpkins, Phoebe Bridgers and Oasis — a legacy to which Bamonte significantly contributed.
The band closed their statement by expressing condolences to Bamonte’s family, saying he will be “very greatly missed.” His musical imprint and creative spirit remain deeply woven into The Cure’s story and the broader history of alternative music.
