Sam Rivers, bassist and co-founder of the Grammy-nominated nu metal band Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48, the band announced on Saturday.
While no official cause of death has been disclosed, Rivers previously spoke out about his liver disease.
Why It Matters
Rivers’ death marks the loss of a foundational figure in late 1990s and early 2000s rock, whose influence resonated through the genre’s evolution and whose basslines defined a generation of alt-rock hits.
What To Know
Limp Bizkit confirmed Rivers’ death in an official statement posted to social media on Saturday. The band paid tribute, writing: “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.”
“From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous,” the statement continued. “We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.”
Limp Bizkit added that Rivers “was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human” and “a true legend of legends.”
“His spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory. We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.”
Although the specific cause and circumstances surrounding his passing have not been publicly released, Rivers had a well-documented history of alcohol-related liver disease. In Jon Wiederhorn’s Raising Hell (Backstage Tales from the Lives of Metal Legends), Rivers described developing the disease as a result of excessive drinking.
“I got liver disease from excessive drinking,” he said, per Loudwire. “It got so bad I had to go to UCLA Hospital and the doctor said, ‘If you don’t stop, you’re going to die. And right now, you’re looking like you need a new liver.’ I fought liver disease for a couple of years and it won. I had to get a liver transplant in 2017.”
Rivers first stepped away from Limp Bizkit in 2015 due to his health and was open about how the diagnosis affected his life and career. He returned to the band in 2018 following a successful liver transplant.
At the time of his death, Rivers remained active on social media, having posted a day before the announcement. In his final Instagram post, the Florida native shared promotional material for the band. “Nothing but love #limpbizkit #limpbizkitstyle #limpbizkitfamily,” he wrote.
What People Are Saying
Following news of Rivers’ death, people took to social media to share tributes.
Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst posted an eight-minute video via Instagram: “I miss him terribly already. All the support and love out there I’ve seen online, it’s overwhelming. He really did have an impact on the world and his music, and his gift is going to be the one that keeps on giving. I just love him so much.”
Megadeth musician David Ellefson wrote on Instagram: “Unreal news about Sam Rivers’ passing. I just saw him in Frankfurt this past March. That was such a super fun show!”
“We (Megadeth) did Ozzfest ‘98 with Limp Bizkit, and you could feel the tides shifting with their music and the rise of that hip-hop-infused Nu-Metal culture. Sam was an integral part of their sound—an inventive, groove-driven bassist who brought a unique pulse to the band.”
“Condolences to his bandmates, family, friends, and fans everywhere. You will be missed by us all.”
Rock band Tantric shared via Facebook: “We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of Sam Rivers from Limp Bizkit. Sam was more than just a musical icon; he was a friend and a kindred spirit in the rock community. His legacy will never be forgotten, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sam. You’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.”
What Happens Next?
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.
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