Limp Bizkit Honors Late Bassist Sam Rivers at First Show Since His Passing

Limp Bizkit is honoring their late co-founder and bassist Sam Rivers.

During their first concert since Rivers’ passing in mid-October, the Fred Durst–fronted rap-rock band paid tribute to the musician with an emotional video at Mexico City’s Estadio Fray Nano on Saturday (Nov. 29).

The brief clip featured an image of Rivers accompanied by the messages “Sam Rivers, our brother forever” and “Sam Rivers, we love you forever.” As the video ended, the members of Limp Bizkit embraced one another while the crowd chanted the late bassist’s name.

Earlier in the day, drummer John Otto reflected on the loss of his close friend and bandmate in a heartfelt Instagram post.

“Today is going to be tough,” Otto wrote. “A first I never wanted to experience. Especially not now. You’ve been there for so many major firsts in my life. Some of my earliest memories were made with you. We grew up together. Laughed together. Realized our dreams together. And traveled the world together.”

He continued, “You’ve always been there. The godfather to my girls, my best friend – my brother. There will never be another you. 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.”

The drummer closed his message with gratitude for the band’s supporters. “Thank you to our fans for all the messages of support and tributes to Sam. It means the world to us. This one’s for you Sammy,” he wrote.

The Mexico City show featured bassist Richie Buxton (aka Kid Not), who also performs with Ecca Vandal, the group supporting Limp Bizkit on their upcoming South American dates.

Rivers passed away on Oct. 18 at age 48. An official cause of death had not been revealed at press time. The musician had been diagnosed with liver disease in 2011 after years of heavy drinking and underwent a liver transplant in 2017, following a temporary departure from the band in 2015. He rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018.

After Rivers’ death, Durst shared an emotional tribute, calling it “so tragic he’s not here now” and writing that he’d shed “gallons and gallons of tears since yesterday,” adding, “My God, Sam’s a legend. He did it. He lived it.”

The band — also featuring guitarist Wes Borland, DJ Lethal and Otto — issued a joint statement honoring their beloved bandmate as well.

“Sam Rivers wasn’t just our bass player — he was pure magic,” they wrote. “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.”

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.