Limp Bizkit bassist and founding member Sam Rivers has died, aged 48.
The group shared the news in a post on social media, describing Rivers as not “just our bass player” but “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 band members wrote.
“We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.”
“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,” the band wrote. “We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.”
The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Limp Bizkit, made up of Fred Durst, John Otto, DJ Lethal, and Rivers, formed in 1994, and have been credited with helping to bring heavy music to the mainstream with their blend of hip-hop and rock.
Their hit albums include ‘Significant Other’, ‘Chocolate Starfish’ and the ‘Hot Dog Flavored Water’, while they’re also recognised for hit singles such as ‘Take a Look Around’ and ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’, which reached Number One in the UK and Ireland.
Rivers was awarded the Gibson award for Best Bassist in 2000.
DJ Lethal added in a comment below the band’s post: “We are in shock. Rest in power my brother! You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save with your music, charity work and friendships. We are heartbroken 💔 enjoy every millisecond of life. It’s not guaranteed.”
He also asked fans to respect the privacy of Rivers’ family.
RIP Sam Rivers. One of the best to do it. pic.twitter.com/EoyuVLR1Xt
— Jamie Iovine (@Jamie_iovine) October 18, 2025
RIP Sam Rivers. One of the badass bass players of its existence! 🕊️😢 pic.twitter.com/0DTgQthuLh
— 𝕾𝖊𝖓𝖔𝖗 𝕹𝖀𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖈𝖍𝖎𝖔 (@dooneydoom) October 19, 2025
Rivers left Limp Bizkit in 2015 for several years due to liver disease from “excessive drinking”, he told author Jon Wiederhorn for the book, Raising Hell. He subsequently received a liver transplant and rejoined the band three years later, playing with the group until his death.
“I quit drinking and did everything the doctors told me,” he said. “I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match.”
In September, the band shared their first new single in four years, ‘Making Love To Morgan Wallen‘, marking their first new music since their last album, ‘Still Sucks‘.
NME recently caught Limp Bizkit at Reading 2025. Our four-star review of their main stage slot read: “There is no mistaking that the energy the band harness during their hour-long set has been meticulously perfected over the years to make this the most quintessential ‘Limp Bizkit show’ possible.”
English (US) · 