Limp Bizkit cofounder Sam Rivers has passed away, as per a statement released by the band. He was 48 years old.
Rivers’ bandmates Fred Durst, Wes Borland, John Otto and DJ Lethal shared a joint statement on Saturday, October 18, announcing the passing of their “brother.” They did not elaborate on the cause of death.
“Today, we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,” the statement from Limp Bizkit said. “Sam Rivers was not just our bass player — he was pure magic. The pulse of every song, the calm within chaos, the soul within the sound.”
They added, “From the moment we first played together, Sam provided a light and a rhythm that will never be matched. His talent came naturally, his presence unforgettable, his heart immense.”
Rivers formed Limp Bizkit alongside vocalist Durst, 55, and drummer Otto, 48, in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, and remained a staple on each of their studio albums. (The group rounded out their classic lineup with guitarist Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal in 1996.) However, the bassist revealed he would be taking an extended break from the group in 2015 to address health concerns.
Rivers later disclosed in Jon Wiederhorn’s book Raising Hell (Backstage Tales From the Lives of Metal Legends) that the persistent effects of alcohol consumption prompted his departure from Limp Bizkit.
“I developed liver disease from drinking excessively … I was compelled to leave Limp Bizkit in 2015 because I felt so awful, and some months afterward, I realized I had to change everything because I had very serious liver disease,” Rivers admitted. “I stopped drinking and followed all of my doctors’ recommendations. I underwent treatment for the alcohol problem and received a liver transplant, which was a perfect fit.”
Rivers ultimately rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018 and remained with the band until his death. Durst and his bandmates reflected on Rivers’ legacy in their memorial statement.
Fred Durst and Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit in November 2024. Medios y Media/Getty Images
“We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every single one meant so much more because Sam was part of it,” they shared via Instagram. “He was the kind of human you meet once in a lifetime. A true legend. And his spirit will be with us forever in every groove, on every stage, in every memory.”
The band concluded, “We love you, Sam. We’ll always carry you with us. Rest peacefully, brother. Your music lives on.”
Limp Bizkit’s turntablist DJ Lethal, 52, subsequently encouraged fans to respect the privacy of the band and Rivers’ family as they grieve.
“We love you Sam Rivers,” he shared via Instagram. “Please respect the family’s privacy during this time. 🕊️ give Sam his flowers and play Sam Rivers’ basslines all day ! We are stunned. Rest in power, my brother ! You will continue to live on through your music and the lives you helped change with your music, charity work and friendships. We are heartbroken 💔 cherish every millisecond of life. It’s not guaranteed.”
Borland added his own tribute with old footage of Rivers filmed during the Vans’ Warped Tour in the past, along with a “broken heart emoji” via his Instagram.
Limp Bizkit are currently slated to commence their Gringo Papi Tour of Latin America at Mexico City’s Explanada del Estadio Banorte on November 29. The seven-date tour is also expected to include Yungblud, 311, Ecca Vandal, Riff Raff and Slay Squad.
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