Jacksonville, FL — The rock world is mourning the passing of Sam Rivers, renowned bassist and founding member of Limp Bizkit, who has died at the age of 48. News of his death was confirmed earlier today, with tributes pouring in from fans, friends, and fellow musicians across the globe.
Born on September 2, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, Rivers’ journey in music began in his hometown, where he met frontman Fred Durst. The two first played together in the band Malachi Sage before going on to form Limp Bizkit — a group that would rise to international fame in the late 1990s with its fusion of metal, hip-hop, and punk energy.
As the band’s bassist, Rivers was known for his deep grooves, precise technique, and creative contributions that helped define Limp Bizkit’s unmistakable sound. His musicianship extended beyond the bass — on the band’s 2003 album Results May Vary, Rivers showcased his versatility by performing both bass and guitar after the departure of guitarist Wes Borland.
Rivers appeared on all six of Limp Bizkit’s studio albums and remained an integral part of the band’s evolution. Despite stepping away at times to address serious health challenges, including liver disease, he courageously returned to performing after a successful liver transplant, inspiring many with his strength and perseverance.
Beyond his work with Limp Bizkit, Rivers was a passionate supporter of the local Jacksonville music scene, producing and mentoring emerging artists. His production credits include collaborations with Burn Season, The Embraced, Indorphine, and Sleepkillers, a project he also performed in. He additionally lent his talent to other renowned artists, appearing on tracks with Marilyn Manson (“Redeemer”), David Draiman (“Forsaken”), and Black Light Burns (“I Have a Need”).
In a statement shared online, Limp Bizkit expressed their heartbreak and paid tribute to their longtime bandmate and friend, remembering Rivers as “a brother, a true musician, and a soul whose rhythm will live on forever.”
Fans and musicians alike continue to honor Rivers’ enduring influence — a testament to the impact he made not only on the stage, but in the lives of those who knew and admired him.
Loudwire and the wider rock community extend our deepest condolences to the Rivers family, his bandmates, and the millions of fans whose lives he touched through his music.
May Sam Rivers rest in eternal peace.