Charlie Stayt

Charlie Stayt (Image: BBC)

BBC Breakfast took an emotional turn as Charlie Stayt delivered devastating news to viewers live on air. During Saturday’s (December 27) episode of the hit BBC show, Charlie returned to our TV screens alongside co-star Emma Vardy as they presented the day’s top news stories from around the world.

However, just moments into the broadcast, Charlie reported that Perry Bamonte had sadly passed away at the age of 65, with the BBC show paying tribute to the musician.

Speaking to viewers at home, Charlie announced, “Now the guitarist and keyboard player with The Cure, Perry Bamonte, has died at the age of 65.”

Emma continued: “He featured on albums including Wild Mood Swings and Bloodflowers. The band said he died after a “short illness”.

The show then features a pre-recorded clip with reporter Tim Allman, who takes a look back at the star’s life and career. The band’s official website confirmed the sad news that the musician had died over Christmas.

Charlie and Emma

Charlie and Emma presented BBC Breakfast together (Image: BBC)

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In a statement, they said: “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.”

Described as “quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative”, Perry was remembered by his bandmates as “a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story”.

Perry contributed to some of The Cure’s biggest hits, playing guitar, six-string bass, and keyboard on albums such as Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, and Acoustic Hits, as well as The Cure.

Affectionately known as Teddy, the star joined the band in 1990 and played with them until 2005, joining again in 2022. Over the years, he performed in more than 400 shows with the legendary group.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family. He will be very greatly missed,” the tribute continued.

Perry Bamonte

Perry Bamonte died at the age of 65 (Image: BBC)
He became a full-time member of the band after Roger O’Donnell left and was due to perform on The Cure’s UK and European tour in 2026. Shows are scheduled for cities such as Cardiff, Dublin, Berlin, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

Following news of his passing, many took to social media to pay tribute. Perry’s ex-bandmate, drummer Lol Tolhurst, shared a personal tribute on Instagram.

He wrote: “So sad to hear about Perry Bamonte passing. Cindy (Tolhurst’s wife) and I send our condolences to all that knew him. Farewell, Teddy.”

One heartbroken fan said: “R.I.P. Perry Bamonte, your music with The Cure changed my life.” Another commented, “Rest in peace, Perry Bamonte. His work helped shape a defining era of The Cure.”

A third said: “Gutted about Perry Bamonte, the most liveliest member of The Cure.” Meanwhile, one added, “Rest in peace Perry Bamonte. The Cure fans all around the world are grieving today.”