The band pays tribute to his impact on rock and nu-metal music
Sam Rivers, bassist and founding member of the American rock band Limp Bizkit, has passed away at the age of 48. The band confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media, expressing their grief and admiration for his life and work.
“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,” the band wrote. “His spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.” No further details about the cause of death have been made public.
A cornerstone of Limp Bizkit’s success
Rivers played a crucial role in shaping Limp Bizkit’s identity during the 1990s, as the band rose to international prominence within the nu-metal movement. With chart-topping hits like “Rollin’” and “Nookie,” the group achieved major commercial success and earned three Grammy nominations.
In 2015, Rivers left the band after being diagnosed with liver disease related to excessive alcohol use. He later recovered following a successful liver transplant and rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018, resuming his place as one of the group’s core members.
Remembered as a legend of his generation
Frontman Fred Durst recalled first meeting Rivers at a Jacksonville bar, where his performance immediately stood out. “He was playing a five-string bass and absolutely killing it,” Durst said. “I was blown away — everything else disappeared except for his sound.”
Rivers remained active with the band until shortly before his passing. His last social media post promoted Limp Bizkit’s upcoming performance at the Rock for People festival, scheduled for June 2026 in the Czech Republic.
Sam Rivers leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of the defining figures of the nu-metal era and an artist whose influence will continue to resonate in modern rock music.
