Sam Rivers, a founding member of Limp Bizkit, has died aged 48.
The news was shared in a tribute from the American nu metal band’s remaining members, vocalist Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal, posted on Instagram.
“Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,” they said.
“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.
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“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,” they shared.
It is not yet clear what caused the death.
DJ Lethal penned his own tribute in the comments, writing, ”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 ✌️”
Fans took to Rivers’ Instagram account to pay tribute to him, posting under his last uploaded picture celebrating 25 years since the release of their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, which was put up just yesterday.
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“Thank you for the inspiration early on and throughout your life,” one fan wrote.
“Thank you for everything!” another added.
“Too damn young, man. Rest easy,” one wished.
“I can’t believe this is real, rest in peace Sam, thank you for the music,” said one fan.
“Rock in peace Sam…Thank u for all the memories…” another said.
Rivers was one of the founding members of the band, which was created in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida.
They found success in the 2000s with Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water and Results May Vary, as well as songs such as Nookie and Rollin’.
Rivers left the group in 2015 and retuned in 2018, later revealing that his absence was due to developing liver disease due to excessive drinking.
“It got so bad I had to go to UCLA Hospital and the doctor said, ‘If you don’t stop, you’re going to die. And right now, you’re looking like you need a new liver,'” he said in an interview with Metal Injection.
He had rejoined the band after receiving a liver transplant in 2017, he revealed in his book, Raising Hell (Backstage Tales From the Lives of Metal Legends).
“I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match,” he said, “I’m back, and I feel amazing.”
Rivers has recently been touring with the band, with their last gig being at the Leeds Festival in August, and their next tour date being scheduled on November 28.
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