Sam Rivers, the bassist for Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48, leaving the band and its fans in mourning. His passing on October 18 was acknowledged with a heartfelt tribute from the legendary band.

The announcement of Rivers’ death was made via Instagram on a Saturday, with the band revealing that he had died earlier that day. The cause of his death has not been disclosed at this time.

The touching message from the band read, “In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers. Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat.”

As one of the original members, Rivers played a foundational role in Limp Bizkit since its inception in 1994.

The band further expressed, “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.”

They continued to honor his memory, stating, “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.