Limp Bizkit announces death of bassist Sam Rivers aged 48 | Limp Bizkit
It was announced that Sam Rivers, bassist and co-vocalist of the American nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, died at the age of 48.
Limp Bizkit announced Rivers’ death in a social media post, describing him as the “heartbeat” of the group, but did not disclose where Rivers died or the circumstances. “Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,” the band wrote.
“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 played together, Sam brought a light and rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, and his heart immense.”
Fred Durst, the band’s frontman and lead vocalist, released a video on Sunday morning explaining how they met at a club in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and how they went on to achieve music stardom and performances around the world. Durst said he had “shed gallons of tears since yesterday.”
“He truly has had an impact on the world and his music, and his talent will continue to do so,” Durst said. “I love him so much.”
Rivers’ cause of death was not disclosed.
Rivers, 48, has mentioned that excessive drinking causes liver disease. He left the band in 2015 and underwent a liver transplant before reuniting with Limp Bizkit three years later.
Durst said he and Rivers shared a love of grunge music and named the bands Mother Love Bone, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots.
Durst called Rivers “more talented than I can explain” and said, “He had this ability to bring this beautiful sadness out of the bass that I’ve never heard before.”
Limp Bizkit was formed in Jacksonville in 1994 and rose to fame in the late 1990s with their eclectic and heavy sound that blended metal, hip-hop and punk influences.
They achieved mainstream success with the chart-topping albums Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) in the US.
Their offbeat sense of humor is reflected in their best-selling 2000 album “Choculate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water” and their single “Making Love to Morgan Wallen” released last month.
Rivers was a founding member of the band, along with vocalist Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal.
In their Instagram post, they said, “Relax, brother. May your music never end.”
DJ Lethal added in a comment under the band’s post: “We are in shock. Rest as much as you can bro! You will live on with your music and the lives you helped save with your music, your charity work and your friendships. We are heartbroken 💔 enjoy every millisecond of life. There are no guarantees.”
Limp Bizkit has planned a tour of Central and South America starting in Mexico City in late November.
