Stefan Hudderath/Redferns via Getty ImagesSam Rivers, guitarist and founding member of the American nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48.
The group shared the news in a social media post, calling Rivers 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 can never be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, and his heart enormous,” the band members wrote.
The cause of his death was not revealed.
Limp Bizkit, consisting of Fred Durst, John Otto, DJ Lethal, Wes Borland and Rivers, were formed in 1994. With their hip-hop-rock style and profanity-laden lyrics, the sound was iconic in the late 1990s and is credited with helping bring heavy music into 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 Lookaround” and the number one hit “Rollin'” (Air Raid Vehicle).
“We shared so many moments – the wild ones, the quiet ones, the beautiful ones – and every one of them meant so much more because Sam was there,” the band said.
“We are in shock,” DJ Lethal, whose real name is Leor Dimant, wrote under the announcement on Instagram.
He also asked fans to respect the privacy of the Rivers family.
Paul Natkin/Getty ImagesBesides his musical talent — Rivers won the Gibson Award for Best Bassist in 2000 — the band also championed his charitable work in his honor.
“You will live on through your music and the lives you have helped save through your music, charity, and friendships,” DJ Lethal wrote.
The group 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,” as he told author John Wiederhorn for the book Raising Hell.
“I stopped drinking and did everything the doctors told me,” he said, according to the Loudwire newspaper. “I received treatment for alcohol and had a liver transplant, which was perfect.”