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Limp Bizkit's Founding Bassist Sam Rivers Dies at 48

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sam Rivers, the founding bassist of Limp Bizkit, died at age 48 on October 18, 2025, in an Instagram tribute.
Rivers developed liver disease from excessive drinking in 2015, leading him to leave Limp Bizkit.
He underwent a liver transplant in 2017 and rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.

History

Historical Context

Limp Bizkit, formed in 1994, became a defining band in the nu-metal genre, achieving mainstream success with albums like *Significant Other* (1999) and *Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water* (2000), which sold over 10 million copies. Founding bassist Sam Rivers' struggles with liver disease, culminating in his death in 2025, highlight ongoing issues of substance abuse in the music industry.

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Story summary

Sam Rivers, the founding bassist of Limp Bizkit, died at age 48 on October 18, 2025, in an Instagram tribute.
Rivers developed liver disease from excessive drinking in 2015, leading him to leave Limp Bizkit.
He underwent a liver transplant in 2017 and rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.

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