Viewers of BBC Breakfast were met with sombre news on Saturday morning as presenters Charlie Stayt and Emma Vardy shared the heartbreaking announcement of a music legend's passing.
A Live On-Air Announcement
During the live broadcast on December 27, Charlie Stayt addressed the audience directly to deliver the tragic update. He revealed that Perry Bamonte, the guitarist and keyboard player for the iconic band The Cure, had died at the age of 65. Co-host Emma Vardy added poignant detail, noting that Bamonte had featured on albums including 'Wild Mood Swings' and 'Bloodflowers'. She relayed the band's statement that his death followed a short illness.
The programme then aired a pre-recorded segment from reporter Tim Allman, which reflected on the star's life and his considerable musical legacy. The news was first broken on the band's official website, which stated that Bamonte had passed away at home over the Christmas period.
A Vital and Creative Force in The Cure
In an emotional statement posted online, the band confirmed the loss with "enormous sadness," describing Bamonte as their "great friend and bandmate." He was remembered fondly as "quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative," and as a "warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story."
Perry Bamonte, affectionately known as Teddy, joined The Cure in 1990 and remained a permanent member until 2005, before rejoining the lineup in 2022. During his tenure, he contributed to some of the band's most celebrated work. He played guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards on albums including 'Wish', 'Wild Mood Swings', 'Bloodflowers', and 'The Cure'. His stage presence was also formidable, having performed in over 400 shows with the legendary group.
His return to the band had been for a specific purpose: he was set to perform on The Cure's planned UK and European tour in 2026, with gigs scheduled for cities like Cardiff, Dublin, Berlin, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
An Outpouring of Grief and Tribute
The news prompted an immediate and heartfelt response from fans and former colleagues across the globe. Drummer Lol Tolhurst, a former bandmate, shared a touching message on Instagram, writing: "So sad to hear about Perry Bamonte passing. Cindy and I send our condolences to all that knew him. Farewell, Teddy."
On social media, devastated fans expressed their sorrow and gratitude for his music. One wrote, "R.I.P. Perry Bamonte, your music with The Cure changed my life," while another commented, "Rest in peace, Perry Bamonte. His work helped shape a defining era of The Cure." Others highlighted his personality, with one fan noting he was "the most liveliest member of The Cure."
The band's statement concluded with a simple, powerful sentiment that echoed the feelings of many: "Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed." BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
