Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit on stage during the KROQ Weenie Roast & Luau at Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, California, June 8, 2019.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for KROQ
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Kevin Winter/Getty Images for KROQ
Sam Rivers, the bassist and founding member of the rock group Limp Bizkit, has passed away at the age of 48.
The band confirmed the news on their official social media channels Saturday, expressing their grief by stating, “Today we lost our brother.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Limp Bizkit described Rivers as more than just their bass player: “He was the heartbeat of every track, the steady force amid the storm, the essence behind our sound. Sam was truly one of a kind-a legendary figure whose spirit will echo in every riff, every performance, and every cherished memory.”
No further information regarding the circumstances of his passing has been disclosed by the band.
Rivers’ most recent social media activity was a “Save The Date” announcement for Limp Bizkit’s upcoming appearance at the Rock for People festival scheduled for June 2026 in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. The band’s last live show together took place in August at the Leeds Festival in the UK.
In 2015, Rivers temporarily left Limp Bizkit due to serious liver complications but made a comeback in 2018.
Reflecting on his health struggles in an interview with Variety, Rivers shared, “My liver disease was a result of heavy drinking. I had to step away from the band in 2015 because I was feeling terrible. It became clear I needed to overhaul my lifestyle. I stopped drinking, followed medical advice, and underwent a liver transplant that was a perfect match.”
Limp Bizkit rose to fame in the late 1990s, earning three Grammy nominations and achieving chart success with hits like “Break Stuff” and “My Way,” which secured spots on the Billboard Hot 100.
Fred Durst, Limp Bizkit’s lead vocalist, fondly recalled the moment he first encountered Rivers playing bass at a local Jacksonville, Florida venue while assembling the band. Durst was immediately impressed by Rivers’ skill and stage presence.
“Watching Sam play was mesmerizing,” Durst shared in a social media video tribute. “He was wielding a five-string bass, something I hadn’t seen before. His performance was so smooth and captivating that everything else faded away-only his talent remained.”
When Durst approached Rivers after the set to propose forming a band, Rivers responded without hesitation.
“He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Awesome. I’m in. Let’s make it happen,'” Durst recalled. “Since hearing the news, I’ve shed countless tears. Sam was a true icon-he lived his legacy fully.”
Recently, Limp Bizkit’s single “Making Love to Morgan Wallen” achieved top positions on multiple Billboard charts in September, underscoring the band’s enduring influence.
