Sam Rivers was the co-founder and original bassist of the nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, who died on October 18, 2025, at the age of 48. He was known for his distinctive and powerful bass lines that were central to the band's sound. Limp Bizkit announced his death with a tribute describing him as "the pulse beneath every song" and "the heartbeat" of the band.
Musical career
- Formation of Limp Bizkit: In 1994, Rivers co-founded the band in Jacksonville, Florida, with frontman Fred Durst. At the time, Rivers was 16 years old. Drummer John Otto, Rivers' cousin, joined the group at Rivers' suggestion.
- Acclaimed bassist: Rivers earned wide respect for his musical talent and was voted Best Bass Player at the 2000 Gibson Awards. He primarily used his fingers instead of a pick and was praised for his ability to craft inventive, groove-driven bass lines.
- Briefly played guitar: After guitarist Wes Borland left the band in 2001, Rivers took over guitar duties for some songs on the 2003 album Results May Vary.
- Production work: During a period when Limp Bizkit was on hiatus, Rivers worked as a producer for bands in the Jacksonville area. He also formed a band called Sleepkillers with vocalist Damien Starkey.
Health struggles and death
- Liver disease: In 2015, Rivers left Limp Bizkit for health reasons related to excessive drinking. In a 2020 book, he revealed that he had developed severe liver disease and had to have a liver transplant in 2017.
- Rejoining the band: Following his successful transplant, Rivers rejoined the band in 2018 and remained an active member until his passing.
- Death: Rivers died on October 18, 2025, at age 48. His death was reportedly called in as a cardiac arrest, and officials categorized it as an "attended death," indicating he had been under medical care for a serious illness.
- Tributes: Following his death, bandmates and fellow musicians offered emotional tributes. In a video message, Fred Durst praised Rivers' musical talent and impact. Other artists, including Thundercat and David Ellefson, also mourned his loss and recognized his significant influence on the nu-metal genre.
Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst posted a lengthy, heartfelt video tribute to his Instagram, in which he grew tearful as he spoke about his friend. He praised Rivers as a "gifted, unbelievably sweet and wonderful person" and recalled how Rivers was the first member to join him when he was forming Limp Bizkit. Durst said Rivers' sound on the bass was so unique that he could "hear nothing else but Sam" when he first saw him play. Reflecting on their journey, Durst said, "I know wherever Sam is right now he's smiling and feeling like, 'I did it. I did it.' And man did he do it. What he's left us behind is priceless"