Simon Bamonte, Longtime Cure Keyboardist and Multi-Instrumentalist, Dies at 64
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Simon Bamonte, a keyboardist, guitarist, and bassist for The Cure, has died at the age of 64. The band announced his passing on December 26, 2023, https://www.thecure.com/news/simon-bamonte-1959-2023/,praising his contributions to some of their most celebrated work and his recent return to the band for a accomplished run of shows.
Bamonte was a significant presence in The Cure’s history, initially joining their road crew in 1984 before becoming a full member in 1990 following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. He played a crucial role in the band’s sound for over a decade and again in recent years.
A Versatile Musician within The Cure
Throughout his time with The Cure, Bamonte showcased his versatility, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboards on several key albums:
* Wish (1992)
* Wild Mood Swings (1996)
* Bloodflowers (2000)
* Acoustic hits (2001)
* The Cure (2004)
He also performed in over 400 shows with the band over 14 years, contributing to iconic tracks like “Friday I’m In Love,” “High,” and “A Letter to Elise.” https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/simon-bamonte-cure-keyboardist-dead-1234844919/ His work was also featured on the live albums Paris and show, both released in 1993.
Return to The Cure and Recent Performances
Bamonte rejoined The Cure in 2022, participating in 90 shows that the band described as “some of the best in the band’s history.” This culminated in a memorable performance at The Show Of A lost World concert in London on November 1, 2023. https://www.nme.com/news/music-news/simon-bamonte-the-cure-keyboardist-dies-3451891
Beyond The Cure: Love Amongst ruin and Other pursuits
Outside of The cure, Bamonte was a member of the supergroup Love Amongst ruin, alongside former Placebo drummer Steve Hewitt and Julian Cope collaborator Donald Ross Skinner. The band released two studio albums: Love Amongst Ruin (2010) and Lose Your Way (2015).
He also pursued personal passions, demonstrating a keen interest in fly fishing and establishing a career as an illustrator, contributing to Fly culture magazine.
The cure’s Legacy
formed in 1976 by Robert Smith and lol Tolhurst, The Cure have become hugely influential in the goth, post-punk, and indie music scenes. The band’s ever-evolving lineup has consistently produced innovative and emotionally resonant music. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019,cementing their place in music history. https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/the-cure
A Significant Loss
The Cure expressed their deep sadness at bamonte’s passing, stating, “Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family, he will be very greatly missed.” His contributions to the band’s sound and his dedication to music will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Key Takeaways:
* Simon Bamonte was a long-standing member of The Cure, contributing to their music from 1990-2004 and again from 2022-2023.
* He was a versatile musician,proficient in guitar,bass,and keyboards.
* Bamonte also played with the supergroup Love Amongst Ruin and pursued interests in illustration and fly fishing.
* His passing is a significant loss to the music community.
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