SAM Rivers, bassist for rock-rap group Limp Bizkit, has died aged 48, according to an emotional statement from the band.
His fellow band members paid tribute to their “brother” on social media after he passed away on Saturday evening.
Announcing the news to fans on Instagram, the band wrote: “In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers. Today we lost our brother.
“Our bandmate. Our heartbeat. 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 added: “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. We shared so many moments — wild ones, quiet ones, beautiful ones — and every one of them meant more because Sam was there.”
“He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends,” the statement continued.
“And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.”
The band concluded: “We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends. — Fred, Wes, John & DJ Lethal.”
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The 48-year-old’s cause of death is yet to be revealed.
In 2015, Rivers left the band after being diagnosed with liver disease due to excessive drinking.
He revealed that he had undergone a liver transplant before rejoining the band in 2018.
Rivers was a founding member of Limp Bizkit, having formed the band with Fred Durst and John Otto in 1994.
The band then added guitarist Wes Borland and DJ Lethal in 1996.
The group dropped six albums, including critically-acclaimed “Significant Other” and “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water”.
Rivers has played on all six albums, four of which have been certified platinum or multi-platinum.
Limp Bizkit are best known for songs including “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Take a Look Around.”