We are sad to hear of the passing of Limp Bizkit bassist, backing vocalist, and co-founding member Sam Rivers, who has died at the age of 48. The band announced his passing earlier this evening (18th) via Instagram, with no cause of death disclosed, stating:
” In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers
Today we lost our brother.
Our bandmate.
Our heartbeat.
Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic.
The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.
From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous.
We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.
He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human.
A true legend of legends.
And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.
We love you, Sam.
We’ll carry you with us, always.
Rest easy, brother.
Your music never ends.
— Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal ❤️”
In a separate comment, Limp Bizkit’s DJ Lethal added:
“We love you Sam rivers. Please respect the family’s privacy at this moment. ️ give Sam his flowers and play Sam rivers basslines all day ! We are in shock. Rest in power my brother ! You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save with your music , charity work and friendships. We are heartbroken enjoy every millisecond of life. It’s not guaranteed ✌️”
Born on September 2, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, Rivers first collaborated with Durst in the local band Malachi Sage before forming Limp Bizkit. The two co-founded the group alongside John Otto in 1994, redefining the nu metal sub genre with the rap-rock additions. By 1997, the band’s debut, Three Dollar Bill, Y’all$, was released, which included their infamous George Michael cover “Faith.” Rivers played on all six studio albums, along with their latest single, “Making Love to Morgan Wallen,” released last month for the Battlefield 6 video game soundtrack.
Outside of the group, he produced several Jacksonville acts, including Burn Season, The Embraced, Indorphine, and Sleepkillers, and appeared on songs with Marilyn Manson, David Draiman, and Black Light Burns.
Rivers had a history of health struggles, which led to his initial departure from the group in 2015 due to suffering from liver disease brought on by heavy drinking. After receiving a life-saving liver transplant in 2017, he rejoined Limp Bizkit the following year.
The band’s most recent concert took place on August 24th at the Leeds Festival in England. More shows have been scheduled, including a Latin American tour in late November alongside Yungblud and 311.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time.
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