Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers dies aged 48

Sam Rivers, bassist and founding member of American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48.

The band shared the news in a social media post, describing Rivers as not “just our bass player” but “the soul in the sound.”

“From the first note we played together, Sam brought a light and rhythm that could never be replaced. His talent was natural, his presence unforgettable, his heart immense,” the band members wrote.

The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Limp Bizkit, consisting of Fred Durst, John Otto, DJ Lethal and Rivers, formed in 1994. With its hip-hop rock style and expletive-laden lyrics, it was a defining sound of the late ’90s and is credited with helping bring heavy music to the mainstream.

Their hit albums include Significant Other, Chocolate Starfish and Hot Dog Flavored Water, while they also had success with singles such as Take a Look Around and the number one hit Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle).

“We shared so many moments – wild moments, quiet moments, beautiful moments – and each of them meant more because Sam was there,” the band said.

“We are in shock,” wrote DJ Lethal, whose real name is Léor Dimant, under the announcement on Instagram.

He also asked fans to respect the privacy of Rivers’ family.

Along with his musical talent – Rivers received the Gibson Award for Best Bassist in 2000 – the band also championed his charitable work by paying tribute to him.

“You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save through your music, your charity work and your friendships,” DJ Lethal wrote.

The band released a new single, Making Love to Morgan Wallen, in September and performed at the Reading Festival in August.

It’s been four years since their last album, Still Suck.

Rivers left Limp Bizkit in 2015 for several years due to liver disease caused by “excessive drinking,” he told author Jon Wiederhorn for the book Raising Hell.

“I stopped drinking and did everything the doctors told me,” he said, as quoted by Loudwire. “I went through treatment for alcoholism and had a liver transplant, which was a perfect fit.”