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Yesterday (Oct. 18), Loudwire reported<\/a> on the\u00a0sudden death of co-founding Limp Bizkit<\/a> bassist and backing vocalist, Sam Rivers<\/a>, at the age of 48. The band made the announcement on social media<\/a> last night, and while his cause of death remains unknown, countless fans and fellow rockers are mourning Rivers by sharing fond memories and heartfelt tributes.<\/p>\n Many rock and metal artists have already reacted to Rivers\u2019 passing on social media.<\/p>\n For instance, ex-Megadeth<\/a> and current Kings of Thrash<\/a> bassist David Ellefson<\/a> posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram<\/a> in which he wrote:<\/p>\n Unreal news about Sam Rivers\u2019 passing. I just saw him in Frankfurt this past March. That was such a super fun show!<\/p>\n We (Megadeth) did Ozzfest \u201898 with Limp Bizkit, and you could feel the tides shifting with their music and the rise of that hip-hop-infused Nu-Metal culture. Sam was an integral part of their sound\u2014an inventive, groove-driven bassist who brought a unique pulse to the band.<\/p>\n Condolences to his bandmates, family, friends, and fans everywhere. You will be missed by us all.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Likewise, rock band Tantric<\/a>\u2019s social media statement begins<\/a>: \u201cWe\u2019re heartbroken to hear about the passing of Sam Rivers from Limp Bizkit.\u201d They continue:<\/p>\n Sam was more than just a musical icon; he was a friend and a kindred spirit in the rock community. His legacy will never be forgotten, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sam. You\u2019ll always hold a special place in our hearts.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Elsewhere, metal outfit The Callous Daoboys<\/a> simply professed<\/a>, \u201cNo daoboys without @limpbizkit . RIP Sam Rivers. sending all the love we can,\u201d whereas In This Moment<\/a>\u2019s Travis Johnson reflected<\/a>:<\/p>\n Anyone who knows me knows that I fucking love Limp Bizkit, particularly Sam Rivers with his fierce stage presence and fat ass memorable basslines. This one fucking hurts. Embrace life and take chances. It could all end in any moment\u2026 so reach for the stars friends.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Interestingly, several other musicians shared short reactions on the posts of other<\/em> accounts.<\/p>\n For instance, Dawn of Ouroboros<\/a> bassist Ian Baker<\/a> replied to an Instagram post by Bart FUNK bass<\/a>: \u201cMy favorite part of that band.\u201d Similarly, Exodus<\/a> guitarist Gary Holt<\/a>, Korn<\/a> drummer Ray Luzier<\/a> and<\/em> System of a Down<\/a> bassist Shavo Odadjain<\/a> responded to Loudwire\u2019s Instagram post<\/a> with broken heart emojis.<\/p>\n You can see those posts \u2013 and others \u2013 below:<\/p>\n READ MORE: The Best Album by 5 Big Millennial Dad Rock Bands<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n As for Limp Bizkit fans, well, they\u2019re equally heartbroken by the loss of Rivers.<\/p>\n For instance, legendary rock personality Matt Pinfield<\/a> tweeted earlier today: \u201cLost a dear old friend today.. we will miss you Sam. Thank you for always bringing the groove and the bottom end. My thoughts and prayers for all his friends and family and the band.\u201d<\/p>\n Likewise, someone on Instagram lamented<\/a>:<\/p>\n Rest in Peace Sam Rivers. So sad to post. Rock lost a real one. Thank you for everything @samriverslb Limp Bizkit started their tour for Significant Other in Seattle. They did a signing at midnight at Tower Records because it was also the day the album came out. They played that night. I was at the signing and the show. Sam cut his hand in the middle of their set. They delayed the concert over 2 hours and Sam went to the ER got stitches and came back and finished the show. It was awesome #ripsamrivers #limpbizkit<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Over on Facebook, one of Rivers\u2019 former catholic school classmate revealed<\/a>:<\/p>\n Damn. I attended catholic school with Sam. His band played at my middle school dance when he was in high school. I remember being a mall rat in the 90\u2019s and visiting him when he was working at Chick fil a in Regency. My friends and I went to 618 (a basement bar in sketch downtown jax) to watch them play before they got big. Nice guy, gone way too soon. Pray for his soul and for all of his family and friends.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n You can see those posts \u2013 and others \u2013 below:<\/p>\n As Loudwire reported yesterday, Limp Bizkit broken the news via Instagram, beginning: \u201cIn Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers.\u201d<\/p>\n They added:<\/p>\n Today we lost our brother. Sam Rivers wasn\u2019t just our bass player \u2014 he was pure magic. 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.<\/p>\n We shared so many moments \u2014 wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones \u2014 and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.<\/p>\n He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. We love you, Sam. Rest easy, brother. \u2014 Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n As longtime fans likely know, Rivers was born in 1977 and was raised in Florida (where he eventually met Limp Bizkit vocalist Fred Durst<\/a> and formed their first band together, Malachi Sage). Interestingly, he played both guitar and tuba before officially switching to bass<\/p>\n Naturally, he played on every one of Limp Bizkit\u2019s studio LPs, and he even played both bass and guitar on 2003\u2019s Results May Vary<\/em> due to the temporary departure of Wes Borland<\/a>. He left the band in 2015 due to his battle with liver disease. Fortunately, he later received a liver transplant<\/a> and returned to Limp Bizkit in 2018. Beyond Limp Bizkit, he produced and\/or otherwise worked with several Jacksonville artists in addition to big names such as Marilyn Manson<\/a> and David Draiman<\/a>.<\/p>\n Of course, Loudwire sends along our condolences to the extended families of Limp Bizkit and Rivers.<\/p>\n Nu-metal, post-grunge, emo and pop-punk have all had their moments, but which were the best 25 rock albums of the last quarter century?<\/p>\n Contributions by Rob Carroll (RC), Chad Childers (CC), Joe DiVita (JD), Lauryn Schaffner (LS), Bryan Rolli (BR)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow Rockers Have Responded to Rivers\u2019 Death<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How Fans Have Responded to Rivers\u2019 Death<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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More About Rivers\u2019 Death<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Our bandmate.
Our heartbeat.<\/p>\n
The pulse beneath every song, the calm in the chaos, the soul in the sound.<\/p>\n
A true legend of legends.
And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll carry you with us, always.<\/p>\n
Your music never ends.<\/p>\n25 Best Rock Albums of the Last 25 Years (2000 – 2024)<\/h2>\n