Sam Rivers, the bassist and founding member of the American rock band Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48.
The band confirmed the news on social media, calling Rivers “not just our bass player” but “the soul in the sound.” The cause of death has not been revealed, according to the BBC.
“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,” the band wrote in a tribute.
Sam Rivers, born on September 2, 1977, in Jacksonville, Florida, was best known as the bassist and a founding member of the influential nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Known for his smooth, grooving bass lines and distinctive stage presence, Rivers helped shape the band’s signature sound that defined a generation of late-1990s and early-2000s rock.
Rivers co-founded Limp Bizkit in 1994 alongside his cousin John Otto (drums), guitarist Wes Borland, DJ Lethal, and frontman Fred Durst. Together, they became one of the leading acts of the nu metal movement, blending elements of hip-hop, metal, and alternative rock. Their breakout came with the 1997 debut album Three Dollar Bill, Y’all, followed by Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000), which propelled them to global stardom. These albums produced hits such as “Nookie,” “Break Stuff,” and “My Way.”
Beyond his role in Limp Bizkit, Rivers was also a skilled producer and multi-instrumentalist. Rivers left Limp Bizkit in 2015 for several years after being diagnosed with liver disease caused by excessive drinking. He later revealed the details to author Jon Wiederhorn in the book Raising Hell, according to the BBC.
Rivers later explained that he stopped drinking, followed his doctors’ instructions, and underwent treatment for alcohol-related issues. He ultimately received a successful liver transplant that was a perfect match.
Known for his calm, grounded personality, Rivers was often described by bandmates as the “heart and soul” of Limp Bizkit’s chemistry—balancing the larger-than-life personas of his fellow members with quiet confidence and dedication to the music.
Rivers’ playing style combined elements of funk, jazz, and heavy rock, helping define the nu metal bass sound with his fluid technique and powerful stage energy. His contributions influenced countless young musicians who came of age during the band’s heyday.
