Limp Bizkit star and founding bassist Sam Rivers has died at the age of 48.
The metal group announced Rivers’ death in a statement on Instagram on Saturday and revealed the late musician died earlier in the day. A cause of death has not been shared.
‘Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,’ Limp Bizkit wrote, sharing photos of the late band member.
‘Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player – he was our 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 was 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.’
Fellow band member DJ Lethal further expressed how the band is in ‘shock’ over the death of Rivers.
‘We love you Sam rivers. Please respect the family’s privacy at this moment. give Sam his flowers and play Sam rivers basslines all day ! We are in shock.’
He added: ‘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.’
The bassist was a founding member of the rap-metal group peopled by frontman Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland, and DJ Lethal.
Rivers first met Durst in the 90s while working at fast food chain Chick-fil-A.
Their hit albums include Significant Other, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, while they also had success with singles such as Take a Look Around and the number one hit Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle).
The band went on hiatus in 2006 but made a grand return when they reunited a few years later in 2009.
Rivers remained with Limp Bizkit until a serious health crisis forced him to take a three-year break in 2015. He made a comeback in 2018 and continued playing with them until his death.
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