Sad news hit the music world this past Saturday as Sam Rivers, the bassist and co-founder of Limp Bizkit, left us at just 48 years old. The band revealed the unfortunate news on their social media channels.
While the exact cause of Rivers’ death hasn’t been made public, he was vocal about his battle with liver disease in the past.
Why It Matters
As a key player in late ’90s and early 2000s rock music, Rivers’ death signifies a tremendous loss. His impactful basslines helped shape multiple alt-rock classics throughout these eras.
What To Know
In a heartfelt statement shared online, the band expressed their grief: “Sam wasn’t just our bassist; he embodied pure magic. He drove the pulse behind every song, remaining the calm within the chaos—a true artist.”
In their tribute, they highlighted, “From our very first jam, he lit up the scene with a rhythm that was one-of-a-kind. Sam’s talent came naturally, he was unforgettable, and his huge heart made every moment we shared even more special.”
The band emphasized that Rivers was “a rare soul” and “a true legend beyond legends.”
“His spirit will forever echo in every groove we play, every stage we hit, and every cherished memory we have. We love you, Sam. You’ll always be with us. Rest in peace, brother. Your music lives on,” they concluded.
Although no specific details about the circumstances of his passing have been revealed, Sam had a significant history with alcohol-related liver disease. Per Jon Wiederhorn’s book Raising Hell (Backstage Tales from the Lives of Metal Legends), Rivers talked about developing this illness because of heavy drinking.
“I developed liver disease from drinking heavily,” Rivers said, as quoted by Loudwire. “It got to the point where a hospital visit left me with a chilling warning: ‘If you don’t stop, you could die. You practically need a new liver now.’ I battled it for years, but ultimately, it won. I underwent a liver transplant in 2017.”
In 2015, Sam stepped back from Limp Bizkit to focus on his health, sharing how his diagnosis affected his personal life and career. After successfully undergoing a liver transplant in 2018, he made a comeback with the band.
Just a day before the news broke, he was active on social media, posting promo material for Limp Bizkit. “Nothing but love #limpbizkit #limpbizkitstyle #limpbizkitfamily,” he had written on Instagram.
What People Are Saying
Tributes started pouring in from fans and fellow musicians following Rivers’ death.
Fred Durst, the lead vocalist of Limp Bizkit, shared an emotional eight-minute video on Instagram: “I miss him so much already. All the love and support that I’ve seen from fans online is just overwhelming. His influence on the music world was immense and his gift will keep resonating. I really care for him deeply.”
David Ellefson from Megadeth commented on Instagram: “I can’t believe the news about Sam. I just saw him perform in Frankfurt this past March, and it was one of the best shows! We performed at Ozzfest ’98 with Limp Bizkit, and you could tell their music was reshaping the landscape of nu-metal. Sam played a massive part in their sound, bringing electric vibes as a bassist.”
“Sending condolences to his friends, family, fellow bandmates, and fans—this is a real loss for everyone.”
Rock band Tantric took to Facebook to express their grief: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Sam from Limp Bizkit. He was not only a musical figure but also a cherished friend and companion in the rock community. Sam’s legacy will always linger, and our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this tough period. Rest in peace, Sam—you’ll always mean so much to us.”
What Happens Next?
Funeral details are still under wraps and awaiting an official announcement.
