Sam Rivers, the talented bassist for Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48. His passing on October 18 prompted a heartfelt tribute from the legendary band.

On Saturday, the group took to Instagram to announce Rivers’ death, confirming he had passed away earlier that day. While the band refrained from disclosing the cause of his death, they expressed their deep sorrow in a poignant message.

“In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers,” the statement began, capturing the profound loss they felt. “Today we lost our brother, our bandmate, our heartbeat.”

Rivers was an integral part of Limp Bizkit from its inception, having co-founded the band in 1994. His contributions over the years were more than just musical; he was a vital element of their signature sound.

“Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic,” the band reflected. “The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.” Such words underscore the void his absence leaves in the hearts of his bandmates and fans alike.

‘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.’  

Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers has passed away at the age of 48 on October 18 and received an emotional tribute from the iconic band; Rivers (far right) seen with band in 1997 in Chicago 

The metal group announced Rivers’ death in a statement on Instagram on Saturday and revealed the late musician passed earlier in the day — although a cause of death has yet to be revealed; seen in 2009 in England 

The group continued, ‘We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.’ 

They called Rivers ‘a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human’ as well as ‘a true legend of legends.’

‘And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory. We love you, Sam.’

The statement concluded with, ‘We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends. — Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal ❤️.’

DJ Lethal jumped to the comment section to further express how the band is in ‘shock’ over the death of Rivers. 

‘We love you Sam rivers. Please respect the family’s privacy at this moment. give Sam his flowers and play Sam rivers basslines all day ! We are in shock.’

He added, ‘Rest in power my brother ! You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save with your music, charity work and friendships. We are heartbroken enjoy every millisecond of life. It’s not guaranteed.’ 

Rivers first met the lead vocalist of the band Fred Durst in the 90s while working at Chick-fil-A. 

‘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,’ the band also shared

They called Rivers ‘a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human’ as well as ‘a true legend of legends’

The statement concluded with, ‘We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends. — Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal ❤️’; the band seen in 2000 in L.A. 

DJ Lethal jumped to the comment section to further express how the band is in ‘shock’ over the death of Rivers

The duo would then form the band Limp Bizkit in 1994 alongside drummer John Otto. Two years later, guitarist Wes Borland and turntablist DJ Lethal also joined the group. 

Their debut album Three Dollar Bill, Y’all was released in 1997 and included singles such as Counterfeit. 

The band found further success and recognition with its second album Significant Other (1999) which was followed by Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000). 

Some tracks that the group released over the years include Break Stuff, My Way and Behind Blue Eyes. 

The band went on hiatus in 2006 but made a grand return when they reunited a few years later in 2009. 

Limp Bizkit has received three Grammy nominations such as Best Rock Album in 2000 for their album Significant Other. 

The group has garnered other award wins including a Billboard Music Award for Top Modern Rock Artist. 

Rivers later departed from the band in 2015 which he later revealed was due to his battle with liver disease. 

Limp Bizkit has received three Grammy nominations such as Best Rock Album in 2000 for their album Significant Other; Rivers seen in 1999 in California 

The late musician made the revelation in a book from rock writer Jon Wiederhorn titled Raising Hell (Backstage Tales From The Lives Of Metal Legends) in 2020, per Loudwire. 

‘I got liver disease from excessive drinking,’ Rivers had shared. 

He further explained, ‘I had to leave Limp Bizkit in 2015 because I felt so horrible, and a few months after that I realized I had to change everything because I had really bad liver disease.’ 

The late star also stated that he continued to focus on his health and eventually underwent a liver transplant. 

‘I quit drinking and did everything the doctors told me. I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match.’

He expressed that he received the diagnosis back in 2011 and ‘got clean for about nine or ten months and went on tour.’ 

Rivers later departed from the band in 2015 which he later revealed was due to his battle with liver disease; the late star (far left) seen with Borland, Durst and DJ Lethal in 2021 in Chicago

However due to a home life that was far from ‘great,’ he fell back into drinking again and would later get a warning from medical professionals. 

‘It got so bad I had to go to UCLA Hospital and the doctor said, “If you don’t stop, you’re going to die. And right now, you’re looking like you need a new liver.”‘

Rivers added, ‘I fought liver disease for a couple years and it won. I had to get a liver transplant in 2017.’

He went on to rejoin Limp Bizkit in 2018 and continued to tour with the metal band.