Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers dies at 48
Nu metal band Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers has died at 48.
The band posted a tribute to their "brother, bandmate, and heartbeat" on Oct. 19.
"Sam Rivers wasn't just our bass player—he was pure magic. The pulse behind every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound," they wrote.
"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."
The band ended their message by telling Rivers they love him.
In the comment section, DJ Lethal said that they were "in shock" following the news.
"Please respect the family's privacy at this moment. Give Sam his flowers and play Sam Rivers basslines all day!" he wrote.
"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."
Limp Bizkit was founded in 1994 by lead vocalist Fred Durst and Rivers. It also consists of guitarist Wes Borland, drummer John Otto, and turntablist DJ Lethal.
Among their hit songs are Behind Blue Eyes, Take a Look Around, Break Stuff, Nookie, My Way, and more.
When the band went on hiatus in 2006, Rivers became a producer for Jacksonville bands before Limp Bizkit reunited in 2009.
The bassist left the band in 2015 due to liver disease from excessive drinking, he told writer Jon Wiederhorn.
"I felt so horrible, and a few months after that I realized I had to change everything because I had really bad liver disease," Rivers said.
"I quit drinking and did everything the doctors told me. I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match."
Rivers rejoined the band in 2018.
