In a recent conversation with Argentina’s Rock & Pop, Matt Tuck, the vocalist and guitarist of Welsh metal band Bullet for My Valentine, discussed the passing of Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers. Bullet for My Valentine is currently supporting Limp Bizkit on the Latin American “Loserville Gringo Papi Tour 2025.” Tuck mentioned, “We first learned about it through social media, which is common these days. It was shocking. I’ve been a fan of Limp Bizkit for nearly 30 years. I first saw them in 1997 before ‘Three Dollar Bill, Y’all’ was released, when they opened for Korn on the ‘Life Is Peachy’ tour in Wales. That experience was significant for me as a teenager. Sam was a crucial part of Limp Bizkit’s foundation.”
Tuck continued, “We feel their loss deeply and are honored to be part of this tour, especially after being added at the last minute following Yungblud’s withdrawal. This tour holds great significance for Limp Bizkit and their fans. We’re proud to be here, celebrating Sam. Meeting the band in Mexico City was wonderful; they were humble and welcoming, contradicting the saying ‘Don’t meet your heroes.’ We’re honored to be part of this tribute to Sam.”
Limp Bizkit performed their first concert after Rivers’ death on November 29 at Explanada Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Richie Buxton, also known as Kid Not, took over bass duties. Buxton is a collaborator with tour opener Ecca Vandal, an artist based in Melbourne, Australia.
During the concert, Limp Bizkit honored Rivers with a video montage showcasing his onstage moments. The band watched the tribute with their backs to the audience, as the screen displayed the words “Sam Rivers, our brother forever,” followed by “Sam Rivers, we love you forever.” The band members embraced at the end of this heartfelt tribute.
Prior to the Mexico City show, Limp Bizkit drummer John Otto shared an emotional message online addressing Sam’s absence. He wrote, “Today is difficult. It’s a first I never wanted to experience. Sam was there for many important moments in my life. We grew up and achieved our dreams together. He was my best friend, my brother. There will never be another like him. We’ll honor his life and love at every show. Thank you to our fans for the support and tributes to Sam. This one’s for you, Sammy.”
Limp Bizkit has several more performances scheduled in December as part of the “Loserville Gringo Papi Tour 2025,” including shows in Colombia on December 5, Peru on December 9, Chile on December 13, Argentina on December 16, and Brazil on December 20. The tour features support from Bullet for My Valentine, 311, Ecca Vandal, Riff Raff, and Slay Squad.
Sam Rivers passed away on October 18 at the age of 48. He was found in the bathroom of his Florida home, according to an incident report obtained by TMZ. A deputy from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Department in St. Augustine stated that a caller discovered Rivers face down in the bathroom before calling 911.
Limp Bizkit, co-founded by Rivers and Fred Durst in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994, announced his passing on Instagram on October 18. The statement read, “Today we lost our brother, our bandmate, our heartbeat. Sam Rivers was not just our bass player — he was pure magic. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart enormous. His spirit will live forever in every groove, every stage, every memory. We love you, Sam. We’ll carry you with us, always.”
Rivers left Limp Bizkit in 2015 due to health issues related to liver disease from alcohol abuse. He revealed in Jon Wiederhorn’s book “Raising Hell (Backstage Tales From The Lives Of Metal Legends)” that he had to quit drinking and undergo a liver transplant. Rivers rejoined Limp Bizkit in 2018 and remained with the band until his death. His final performance was at the Leeds festival in the U.K. in August.
