Sam Rivers, bassist and founding member of Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48. The band confirmed his passing in an emotional statement, calling him “our brother, our heartbeat, and our magic.”

Known for his groove-heavy basslines and calm presence amid the chaos of Limp Bizkit’s energetic performances, Rivers was a key part of the band’s signature sound. His playing defined the rhythm section on hit albums like Significant Other and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, helping push Limp Bizkit to global fame during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The band described him as “the pulse beneath every song and the calm in the storm.” Frontman Fred Durst once praised Rivers’ musical instincts, saying that “anything I could imagine, Sam could make it sound better than I ever pictured it in my head.”

Born Samuel Robert Rivers in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 2, 1977, he began playing bass as a teenager and later formed Limp Bizkit with Durst and drummer John Otto in 1994. His fluid, groove-driven style set him apart from many of his peers, earning respect both from fans and fellow musicians.

Rivers faced health challenges over the years, including liver complications that required a transplant in 2017. After recovering, he returned to perform with the band, continuing to tour and record until recent months.

Tributes from across the music community poured in following the announcement of his passing. Bandmate DJ Lethal shared, “Give Sam his flowers and play his basslines all day. Rest in power, my brother. You’ll live on through every note you ever played.”

Limp Bizkit’s management has stated that the band’s upcoming tour dates will move forward as planned, with each performance dedicated to Rivers’ memory. Fans have already begun organizing vigils and sharing clips of his most iconic performances online, celebrating his role in shaping one of nu metal’s most recognizable sounds.

Rivers leaves behind a lasting legacy that extends beyond Limp Bizkit’s success. His musicianship bridged genres, blending funk-inspired bass grooves with the aggression of metal and the attitude of hip-hop. His impact on modern rock remains unmistakable, and his loss is deeply felt by fans around the world.