Limp Bizkit’s co-founder and bassist, Sam Rivers, passed away at the age of 48, as announced by his bandmates in a heartfelt post on social media. The band members, including lead singer Fred Durst, guitarist Wes Borland, drummer John Otto, and turntable DJ Lethal, paid tribute to Rivers, describing him as more than just a bass player but as a vital element in their music.
The band was preparing to kick off their Gringo Papi tour in Latin America, but it remains uncertain whether the tour will proceed without Rivers. DJ Lethal expressed gratitude for Rivers’s musical contributions, charity work, and friendships, urging fans to honor his memory by listening to his basslines.
Limp Bizkit, known for blending rap and rock, originated in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994. Their breakthrough came with the release of the album “Significant Other,” which included the hit single “Nookie.” The band received Grammy nominations and continued their success with subsequent releases like “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavoured Water” and their latest album, “Still Sucks,” released in 2021.
Details surrounding Rivers’s cause of death were not disclosed by the band. Reports from The Hollywood Reporter indicated that Rivers temporarily left the band in 2015 due to liver disease but made a comeback after receiving a liver transplant in 2018. Rivers attributed his health issues to excessive drinking and shared his journey of recovery in interviews.
Born in Jacksonville in 1977, Rivers last performed with Limp Bizkit at music festivals in Leeds and Reading in late August. His bandmates reminisced about their shared experiences and described him as an exceptional individual whose spirit will endure through their music and memories.
Rest in peace, Sam Rivers. Your music will continue to resonate with fans worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.