Jacksonville, FL – October 19, 2025:
Sam Rivers, the longtime bassist, backing vocalist, and co-founding member of Limp Bizkit, has passed away at the age of 48. The band announced the tragic news via their official Instagram account, calling Rivers a “once-in-a-lifetime kind of human” and “a true legend of legends.” At this time, no cause of death has been shared.
Limp Bizkit Honors Their “Brother”
In a heartfelt statement, Limp Bizkit shared:
“Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat. 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. 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. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.”
The tribute was signed by Fred Durst, Wes Borland, John Otto, and DJ Lethal, highlighting the deep bond Rivers shared with his bandmates.
A Jacksonville Native Who Shaped Nu-Metal
Born on September 2, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, Sam Rivers grew up surrounded by music. It was in Jacksonville that he met Fred Durst, and the two first collaborated in the band Malachi Sage. Their creative chemistry eventually led to the formation of Limp Bizkit, one of the defining acts of the nu-metal era.
Rivers’ bass lines became the backbone of the band’s sound, providing both rhythm and melody in hits like Break Stuff, Nookie, and Rollin’. He also demonstrated his versatility on the Results May Vary album, stepping in on guitar after Wes Borland temporarily left the band. Over the years, Rivers appeared on all six of Limp Bizkit’s studio albums, cementing his role as an integral part of the group.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Despite his rockstar status, Rivers faced serious health challenges, including liver disease that led to his temporary exit from the band. After receiving a liver transplant, he made a triumphant return to continue performing and recording with Limp Bizkit. His resilience and dedication to music earned him the respect of both fans and peers in the industry.
Collaborations and Production Work
Rivers’ musical impact extended beyond Limp Bizkit. He produced local Jacksonville acts, helping bands like Burn Season, The Embrance, Indorphine, and Sleepkillers develop their sound. He also collaborated with prominent artists in the rock and metal community, including Marilyn Manson on Redeemer, David Draiman on Forsaken, and Black Light Burns on I Have a Need.
These projects showcased Rivers’ adaptability and creativity, solidifying his reputation as not just a bassist but a multi-talented musician capable of shaping the sound of others.
Legacy and Influence
As a co-founder of Limp Bizkit, Rivers played a pivotal role in the rise of nu-metal in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His bass lines and backing vocals provided the pulse that drove the band’s energetic, aggressive, and often experimental music. He inspired countless musicians, and his influence can still be heard in modern rock and metal acts.
Fans and fellow musicians have already begun sharing memories of Rivers’ humor, generosity, and dedication, celebrating a life that, though cut short, left a lasting mark on the music world.
Remembering Sam Rivers
Loudwire, along with the broader music community, extends condolences to the families of Sam Rivers and the extended Limp Bizkit family. Rivers’ musical talent, creative spirit, and unforgettable presence on stage will continue to resonate for years to come.
“We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.” – Limp Bizkit
Sam Rivers’ passing is a reminder of the impact one musician can have, not just on a band, but on an entire genre of music. His contributions to rock and nu-metal will forever echo in the grooves of the songs he helped create.