The world of music is saddened by the news that Sam Rivers, the extraordinary bassist and a founding pillar of the American nu-metal sensation Limp Bizkit, has passed away at the age of 48.
The band shared the heartbreaking announcement on their official Instagram account on Saturday, October 18, 2025, accompanying it with a poignant image of Rivers performing on stage. Their message read, ‘Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat. Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic. From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced. … He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends. And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory. We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always.’
Limp Bizkit rose to prominence with their unique blend of rock, metal, and hip-hop, delivering smash hits like ‘Nookie,’ ‘My Way,’ and ‘Take a Look Around,’ all propelled by Rivers’ distinctive bass lines.
The Grammy-nominated group was originally formed in 1994 in Florida, brought together by frontman Fred Durst. Rivers was a key early recruit, scouted by Durst from a band called ‘Malachi Sage,’ where he played alongside future Limp Bizkit drummer John Otto. The trio laid the groundwork with three initial sets of songs before welcoming lead guitarist Wes Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal to complete the iconic lineup.
Rivers faced significant health challenges, stepping away from the band in 2015. However, he made a triumphant return in 2018 after undergoing a liver transplant, much to the delight of fans. The specifics regarding the cause of his recent death have not yet been disclosed.
Despite this immense loss, Limp Bizkit’s ‘Gringo Papi’ Tour is currently scheduled to commence on November 29, a testament to the enduring spirit of the band and the music Sam Rivers helped create.