Recent Deaths Of Guitarists That Have Passed Away
Perry Bamonte: The long-time guitarist and keyboardist for the British rock band The Cure died at age 65 on December 24, 2025, after a short illness. He was a member of the band for two separate stints (1990-2005 and 2022-2025) and was scheduled to perform with the band at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2026.
Steve Cropper: The legendary guitarist for the Stax Records house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s died in December 2025 at the age of 84. He was an architect of the soul music sound and played on classics like “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” and “Soul Man”.
Mick Abrahams: The founding guitarist for the classic rock band Jethro Tull died at the age of 82 in December 2025. He played on their debut album, This Was, before leaving due to creative differences.
Petesy Burns: The Irish punk singer and guitarist died at age 63 on January 7, 2026.
Mark Simpkins: An original member of the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame band the Mezcal Brothers, Simpkins died at age 62 in an apartment fire in early January 2026.
Andrew Ure: A Scottish musician (guitarist for the Ray Summers band) and director of The Wee Whisky Shop, Ure died while hillwalking on December 31, 2025
“Several guitarists have passed away recently including Perry Bamonte of The Cure, Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, and Mick Abrahams of Jethro Tull.”