Limp Bizkit Celebrates Bassist Sam Rivers at Their First Show After His Passing: A Touching Tribute

Limp Bizkit in Chicago in September 1997.
Credit:

Paul Natkin/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Limp Bizkit honored Sam Rivers in a tribute video during their concert in Mexico City on November 29.
• The montage concluded with the message: “Sam Rivers, our brother forever. Sam Rivers, we love you forever.”
• Rivers passed away at the age of 48 on October 18.

Limp Bizkit paid tribute to their late bassist Sam Rivers at their concert in Mexico City on November 29.

During the event, the band presented a video montage highlighting cherished memories with Rivers. Band members sat together, watching the montage alongside the audience.

The heartfelt tribute closed with a message reading: “Sam Rivers, our brother forever. Sam Rivers, we love you forever.” As it wrapped up, the band members embraced, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Sam Rivers performs with Limp Bizkit at Leeds Festival in England in August.

Matthew Baker/Getty

The concert marked the beginning of Limp Bizkit’s Latin American tour and was their first performance since Rivers’ passing in October. He died on October 18 at the age of 48, with the cause of death remaining undetermined.

As the band prepared to perform “Break Stuff,” frontman Fred Durst dedicated the show to Rivers, stating, “Now we’re gonna do this s— Limp Bizkit style. Tonight, this one’s for Sam Rivers.” Ecca Vandal’s bassist, Richie “Kid Not” Buxton, filled in for Rivers during the performance.

Prior to the concert, drummer John Otto shared an emotional tribute to Rivers on Instagram. “Today is going to be tough,” he noted. “A first I never wanted to experience. Especially not now. You’ve been there for so many major firsts in my life.”

Otto reflected on their deep bond, writing, “We grew up together. Laughed together. Realized our dreams together. And traveled the world together. You’ve always been there — the godfather to my girls, my best friend—my brother. There will never be another you.” He added, “We’re going to honor the life you lived and the love you spread with every show we play. You’ll always be with us… This one’s for you Sammy. 🤘🏻♥️💯”

Limp Bizkit had announced Rivers’ death in an Instagram statement on October 18, signed by bandmates Durst, Wes Borland, Otto, and DJ Lethal. “Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat,” they wrote. “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. 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.”

They continued, “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. 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,” the post concluded.