The band announced the musician’s death today (Sunday October 19)

Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers posted a poignant tribute to fans and shared exciting festival news just hours before his death.

On Sunday (October 19), the Nu mental pioneers announced the death of Rivers, 48, describing the star as ‘pure magic’ and a ‘once-in-a-lifetime kind of human’.

“In Loving Memory of Our Brother, Sam Rivers. Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,” a statement posted via the official Limp Bizkit Instagram account read.

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“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.”

Speaking about the Florida native, who was a founding member of the three-time Grammy-nominated group with Fred Durst and John Otto, the group said that Rivers ‘brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced’.

Limp Bizkit announced Sam Rivers’ death at age 48 (Instagram/samriverslb)

“His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous,” they continued. “He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of human. A true legend of legends. And his spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory.

“We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always. Rest easy, brother. Your music never ends.”

Limp Bizkit’s statement comes just hours after Rivers shared what would become his final Instagram post – a video soundtracked with The Cars’ 1978 hit Good Times Roll.

The quick clip was celebrating the 25th anniversary of Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, the band’s third album.

Released on October 16, 2000, the 15-track LP holds the record for the fastest-selling rock album of all time, and features iconic songs ‘My Generation’ and ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’.

The musician wrote: “Nothing but love.”

Rivers (left) was one of Limp Bizkit’s founding members (Vinnie Zuffante/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

As well as honoring the album, Rivers used his last post to promote Limp Bizkit’s newly announced headline slot at the Rock For People festival.

They were officially unveiled to be joining the Czechia-based festival beside previously confirmed bands Iron Maiden and Bring Me The Horizon.

The rockers are set to storm the mainstage on June 11, 2026. The event reveal comes after they shared their first single in four years, ‘Making Love To Morgan Wallen’, in September.

Tributes have been pouring in for Rivers, including a heartbreaking ode from Limp Bizkit turntabalist, DJ Lethal.

The artist, whose real name is Leor Dimant, wrote: “We love you Sam Rivers. Please respect the family’s privacy at this moment. Give Sam his flowers and play Sam Rivers basslines all day! We are in shock.

He added that the musician will ‘live on’ through his extensive music catalogue, as well as his charity work and friendships.

“Enjoy every millisecond of life. It’s not guaranteed.”

Rivers famously exited Limp Bizkit back in 2015, later citing liver disease caused by ‘excessive’ drinking.

Writing about his health struggles in his book Raising Hell: Backstage Tales From the Lives of Metal Legends, the icon explained: “I had to leave Limp Bizkit in 2015 because I felt so horrible, and a few months after that I realized I had to change everything because I had really bad liver disease.”

“I quit drinking and did everything the doctors told me. I got treatment for the alcohol and got a liver transplant, which was a perfect match,” he added, as per Variety.

Rivers rejoined the band three years later.

Officials have yet to release any details surrounding the circumstances of Rivers’ death.