Core skater and Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst is keeping it real after the loss of his longtime homie and Limp Bizkit’s bassist Sam Rivers who passed away on Saturday at 48.
Rivers, born in Jacksonville, Florida, was one of the OGs in the band, rolling with Durst and drummer John Otto back in 1994 before Wes Borland and DJ Lethal joined the crew.
Durst opened up about the first time he saw Rivers play.
He was at this tiny bar in Jacksonville called Pier 7 and the kid was killing it on the bass. Durst said he just stopped and watched, straight blown away. Sam wasn’t just playing notes, he was putting his soul into it.
Durst walked up to him and pitched the idea for a new band and Sam was down right away. That was the start of something big.
He talked about the garage sessions he had with Sam and John Otto. Durst was noodling on guitar, barely keeping up, and Sam was holding it down on bass like a pro.
He could take anything Durst threw at him and make it sound ten times better. Durst said they shared the same love for grunge, all that Seattle stuff like Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots, and Sam could get that emotion out of a bass like nobody else.
Durst said it still hits him hard knowing Sam isn’t here.
He called him one of the realest people he’s ever met, someone who could light up a stage and keep it raw at the same time. Sam’s talent and his presence in the band made everything click, and Durst said he feels lucky to have shared those years with him.
Limp Bizkit posted on Instagram calling Sam their brother and the heartbeat of the band. They said Sam’s basslines were magic, his vibe unforgettable, and his heart enormous.
DJ Lethal added to the post telling fans to respect the family and celebrate Sam by playing his music loud and proud.
Sam had stepped away from the band in 2015 because of health issues. He opened up later about liver problems from drinking but fought through it, even getting a transplant to turn his life around.
Durst wrapped it up saying he’ll always remember Sam, not just for the music but for the man he was. “He gave us so much, and his music will keep giving,” Durst said. “I love him and I miss him already. That’s my brother, my homie, my bass player.”
Fans and friends have been flooding social media remembering Sam Rivers and the mark he left on anyone who ever saw him play. His basslines, his attitude, and the moments he shared with the band will stick around forever.
Durst Posted:
" sam rivers ❤️ friend ❤️ band mate ❤️ legend ❤️"