Sam Rivers, founding member and guitarist of Limp Bizkit, has died, the band announced Saturday. He was 48 years old.
The band confirmed Rivers’ death In a post on Instagram. They did not share his cause of death.
The band’s message read: “Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat.” “Sam Rivers was not just our bass player, he was a pure magician. The pulse under every song, the calm in the chaos, and the soul in the sound.
From the first note we played together, Sam brought a light and rhythm that can never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, and his heart enormous. We shared so many moments – the wild ones, the quiet ones, the beautiful ones – and every one of them meant so much more because Sam was there.
He was a once-in-a-lifetime human. A true legend of legends. His spirit will live forever in every groove, at every stage, and in every memory.
The letter was signed by Rivers’ bandmates Fred Durst, Wes Borland, John Otto, and DJ Lethal.
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 15: Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit performs at Le Bataclan on June 15, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Wolfe-Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images) -
Nu metal band Limp Bizkit, from left: bassist Sam Rivers, DJ Lethal (Lior Demant), drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland and vocalist Fred Durst at the Grammy Awards, Los Angeles, California, February 23, 2000. (Photo by Vinny Zovanti/Archive Photos/Getty Images) -
American band Limp Bizkit arrives with a guest for the 2009 Kerrang Awards, at the Brewery in London, Monday, August 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan) -
Wes Borland, left, Fred Durst and Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit perform during the Sonic Temple Arts and Music Festival, Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/Associated Press)
The nu-metal band was formed in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida. Rivers met lead singer Durst while they were both working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant. According to the deadline.
Limp Bizkit grew in popularity and became one of the most influential groups in the genre in the late 1990s through the 2000s. Known for tracks such as “Break Stuff,” “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle),” “Take A Lookaround,” and “My Way,” the band has released six studio albums, several of which have been certified platinum.
In 2015, Rivers left the group due to complications from liver disease caused by heavy drinking, Deadline reports. He had a liver transplant, and three years later he returned to the band and played with them until his death.
“We love you Sam,” the band’s Instagram message reads. “We will always carry you with us. Be calm, brother. Your music never ends.”