BBC Breakfast took an emotional turn as Charlie Stayt broke heartbreaking news to viewers during the live broadcast. On Saturday’s (December 27) edition of the popular BBC programme, Charlie was back on screen alongside co-presenter Emma Vardy as they covered the day’s major news stories from across the globe.
Yet, mere minutes into the show, Charlie revealed that Perry Bamonte had tragically died at the age of 65, with the BBC programme honouring the musician’s memory.
Addressing audiences at home, Charlie stated, “Now the guitarist and keyboard player with The Cure, Perry Bamonte, has died at the age of 65.”
Emma added: “He featured on albums including Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers. The band said he died after a “short illness”.
The programme then aired a pre-recorded segment with correspondent Tim Allman, who reflected on the star’s life and professional journey.
The band’s official website announced the tragic news that the musician had passed away during the Christmas period, reports the Express.
In a statement, they expressed: “It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte, who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas.”
Characterised as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative”, Perry was fondly recalled by his fellow band members as “a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story”.
Perry made significant contributions to some of The Cure’s most celebrated tracks, performing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard on records including Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, and Acoustic Hits, as well as The Cure.
Known fondly as Teddy, the musician joined the band in 1990 and remained until 2005, before rejoining in 2022. Throughout his time with the group, he participated in over 400 performances wearing the iconic outfit.
