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BORN
1977
DIED
2025
Sam Rivers Obituary
Born on September 2, 1977, Rivers grew up immersed in music. He co-founded Limp Bizkit in 1994 in Jacksonville, Florida, alongside frontman Fred Durst. They were joined by drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland, and DJ Lethal.
Rivers' basslines became a cornerstone of Limp Bizkit's sound, helping the group to popular success with albums such as "Significant Other" (1999) and "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water" (2000). They were among the early bands to make a major splash with rap-metal, helping bring the new sonic hybrid to a mass audience. His groove-oriented, funk-inflected approach grounded the band's heavy riffs and busy turntables, and his quiet, steady presence contrasted with the band's brash frontman and chaotic live energy.
In 2015, Rivers stepped away from the band amid serious health concerns; he later revealed he was being treated for liver disease related to heavy drinking and that he received a liver transplant, returning to the band in 2018. He continued performing with Limp Bizkit up to 2025, including their current touring cycle.
Rivers leaves behind a legacy as one of nu-metal's most reliable and musically grounded bass-players, a musician whose craft quietly but firmly underpinned some of the era's most memorable rock-rap hits.
In the words of the band: "Sam 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. … We'll carry you with us, always."
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: C Brandon/Redferns)
25 Entries
Mr. Jr
December 1, 2025
My condolences.
Eric of Enlil
November 24, 2025
Your music always put a smile on my face and a tap of my shoe. You changed the world of music and left us too soon. You will be missed.
Jennifer Baribault
November 18, 2025
Melissa H
November 3, 2025
My brother attended Arlington Middle School around the same time. My parents said that he had to hide his lunch money in his socks lol. He was a talented guitar player and taught my son music. He passed in 2022. We all leave this earth at different times, but the music legacy lives on. Love to the family
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Leo Solana
October 27, 2025
My condolences. You were an inspiration to me through my younger years and my older years. You will be missed. Prayers for you and your family. LB
Tom Berbas
October 26, 2025
My sincere condolences to Sam Rivers´s family, friends, and fans. His talent and creativity were essential to the sound and success of Limp Bizkit, and his music touched countless lives. May his memory and his art continue to inspire. Rest in peace. Respectfully, Tom Berbas
Lee Van Harrison
October 26, 2025
I would like to offer my utmost condolences to the Rivers family. Sam was the most talented bass player I´ve ever played with in our band Malachi Sage even before leaving to for Limp Bizkit with Fred. He was such an amazing presence on stage with the most fluid style that filled in every pocket, so there was no need for a second guitarist. I´m saddened to hear of his early passing, but the memories of every practice and of every gig will always stay fresh in my mind. You will always be missed my brother in music.
Much love always,
Lee Van Harrison
Kerissa DeCrenza
October 25, 2025
Sam saved my life and inspired me everyday. He was so kind to me and I´ll be grateful to him forever. My heart goes out to all of his family, friends, and bandmates. Rest easy, my hero
Cherie Hodges
October 25, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all- family and friends. I pray God will give you the strength you need to get through this difficult time.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord.
~Cherie Hodges
RIP Sam. Missing you.
Forrest
October 25, 2025
Thank you Sam, for being a great person and creating the greatest bass lines of our generation
Chris Rucker
October 25, 2025
Thanks for all the amazing bass lines and the memories over the last 3 decades of my life. You are a legend Sam. And forever you will live on those discs you left your souls imprints on, and in so many other peoples hearts, minds, and lives.
- Chris
Tylr Mckenzie
October 25, 2025
Rockville 2024. Nothing beats witnessing a legend in person doing what they are crafted to do. RIP
Peter Katsis
October 24, 2025
Limp Bizkit challenged the world to look at rock music in a different way.
They took the rebellion on as a mission. Devoted their lives to it.
Sam Rivers' bass playing was the foundation for that rebellion. And as
a brother and gentleman he was always a class act in every situation.
I'm proud to have known him, worked with him, and traveled the world with him. Thank you brother. Already miss you! Love you! - PK
Vicki VanZandt White
October 24, 2025
Dear Pat, Roger & David,
It has been so many years since we were neighbors in Spanish Point and Sam was just a little boy, but I wanted to express my condolences to you.
Sam lived his dream...not our dream for him...but his dream. He worked hard and achieved a level of success and recognition known to few. You must be very proud.
Wishing you nothing but the best of memories during this very sad time.
Vicki VanZandt White
904 563-5630
Ben Haynes
October 23, 2025
Sam was a great guy, he was also the bassist everybody wanted to have, his style was his own and he did it great. Sam until we meet again, Rock the other side brother! To the family my condolences.
Nikki Moriarty
October 23, 2025
Condolences to sam's family. Sorry for your loss.
Best bassist of all time
Sharon Harbeson
October 22, 2025
Roger, my condolences to your family for the loss of Sam. It came a quite a shock when I heard the news. Please know that you and Pat will be in my prayers.
Gary Bray
October 22, 2025
My condolences to Pat, Roger and David on the loss of your Son and Brother. May God continue to bless your Family and give you peace and comfort in these trying times.
Daniele (Giddens) Cargill
October 21, 2025
The music world has lost one of the most talented, genuine, and incredible bassists to ever grace our ears. I´ll never forget the first time I heard him play-in a random living room at a party in the early 90s, long before LB became a thing-and instantly knowing he was destined for greatness. I feel so grateful to have had the privilege of calling him a friend during the time we had. He was an extraordinary person who touched so many lives, and his presence will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest easy, Sam.
Mak
October 21, 2025
My condolences to the family and friends. May the God of Comfort be with you during this difficult time.
RB
October 21, 2025
Prayers for the Rivers family and friends. May God be with you all in your time of loss.
Ivana from Serbia
October 21, 2025
Rest easy, Sam. You will live on through your genius bass lines and all the songs you so brilliantly created...You will never be forgotten! :(
"'Cause you never know, no, you never know
When you're gonna go..."
A long-time fan
Lisa Matthews
October 21, 2025
I loved Sam and his music. His sound defined a generation. Limp Bizkit was the first band in a long time that I heard on the radio and ran out the same day for the CD. May his loved ones find peace of mind and may he rest in peace
ronald Spradlin
October 20, 2025
Terrible Music
Karl Hauser
October 20, 2025
We'll miss you Sam!!
-big fan
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