Limp Bizkit bassist, backing vocalist and co-founding member Sam Rivers has died at the age of 48. A cause of death was not provided, but media outlet TMZ reported that Rivers had undergone a liver transplant in 2018.

Limp Bizkit – comprised of members Fred Durst (lead vocals), John Otto (drums), Wes Borland (guitar) and DJ Lethal (turntables) — shared the news on their Instagram account, writing in a statement:
“ 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

Limp Bizkit formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994; the group would go on to earn three Grammy nominations. Rivers developed his passion for music while growing up with Otto; and later met Durst when both were employed at a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Limp Bizkit’s classic lineup came together in 1996, two years after its founding, with the addition of Borland and DJ Lethal.

The band is best known for hit songs like “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle),” “Take A Look Around,” and “My Way,” all featured on their third studio album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. Their most iconic single, “Break Stuff,” has amassed nearly a billion streams on Spotify. Over the course of its career, Limp Bizkit has released six studio albums, most of which have earned platinum status. The group’s most recent project was “Battlefield: The After-party,” created for the video game ‘Battlefield 6.’ The band is slated to begin their Gringo Papi Tour on Nov. 29, supported by Yungblud, 311, Ecca Vandal, Riff Raff and Slay Squad.

Rivers temporarily departed Limp Bizkit in 2015 after developing liver disease; following a successful liver transplant, he returned to the lineup three years later and continued performing with the band until his passing.

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