Today, the rock world is mourning the loss of Sam Rivers, founding bassist of Limp Bizkit, who passed away at just 48 years old. Born on September 2, 1977, Rivers cofounded the band alongside drummer John Otto and lead vocalist Fred Durst in 1994. Rivers featured on all of Limp Bizkit’s six full-length albums, including their 1999 breakout album Significant Other and 2000’s Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water, which celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this week on October 16.
Rivers’ death was confirmed through a lengthy band statement, paying tribute to their friend and bandmate. The band writes, “In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers
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.
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.
We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends. – Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal”
While no cause of death has been confirmed, an Instagram Story post by DJ Lethal reads #fuckcancer, leaving fans to speculate that his death was due to cancer. Our deepest condolences go out to Rivers’ family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. RIP Sam Rivers.
