’90s Rock Band Limp Bizkit Mourns Death of Band Member

Limp Bizkit delivered heart-wrenching news to fans as they mourned the loss of one of their core members.

Bassist Sam Rivers, who had been with the band since its 1994 debut, passed away on Saturday.

While the family has yet to release an official statement regarding his death, the band honored his memory as they paid tribute to his enduring legacy and the impact he had on their music and lives.

In a heartfelt message, Limp Bizkit described Rivers as not only their bandmate but their “brother” and “heartbeat,” highlighting the irreplaceable role he played in shaping the band’s sound and spirit.

“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,” the tribute notes.

Moreover, the group shared how Rivers was behind the spotlight and revealed how “kind” he was to everyone around him.

“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,” the statement, signed by members Fred, Wes, John and DJ Lethal, reads.

Following the post, Limp Bizkit’s turntablist DJ Lethal shared his personal message, expressing how they were “in shock” over Rivers’ death.

He also urged fans to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

“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. 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,” he wrote.

In 2015, the bassist temporarily departed from the band due to his illness. He had been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.

He then returned to Limp Bizkit after his multi-year hiatus and later revealed that he had stepped away due to liver disease, ultimately undergoing a liver transplant.

“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,” Rivers revealed in the book Raising Hell, as cited by Loudwire, adding, “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.”

Additionally, he revealed that he was first diagnosed with the condition in 2011.

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This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.