Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers dies aged 48

Sam Rivers, bassist and founding member of American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, has died at the age of 48.

The band shared the news in a social media post, calling Rivers not “just our bass player” but “the soul in the sound.”

“From the very first note we played together, Sam brought a light and rhythm that could not be replaced. His talent was effortless, his presence unforgettable, his heart huge,” the band wrote.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Limp Bizkit, consisting of Fred Durst, John Otto, DJ Lethal and Rivers, formed in 1994. With their hip-hop-rock style and expletive-laden lyrics, the group became the defining sound of the late '90s and are credited with helping push heavy music into the mainstream.

Their hit albums include Significant Other, Chocolate Starfish and Hot Dog Flavored Water, and also achieved success with singles such as Take a Lookaround and the number one hit Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle).

“We shared so many moments – wild, quiet, beautiful – and each one meant more because Sam was there,” the band said.

“We are in shock,” DJ Lethal, real name Leor Dimant, wrote under the announcement on Instagram.

He also asked fans to respect the privacy of Rivers' family.

In addition to his musical talent (Rivers was awarded the Gibson Award for Best Bassist in 2000), the band also supported his charity work by paying tribute to him.

“You will live on through your music and the lives you helped save through your music, philanthropy and friendship,” DJ Lethal wrote.

The band released a new single, Making Love to Morgan Wallen, in September and performed at Reading Festival in August.

It's been four years since their last album, Still Suck.

Rivers left Limp Bizkit in 2015 for several years due to liver disease from “excessive drinking,” he told author John Wiederhorn for Raising Hell.

“I stopped drinking and did everything the doctors told me,” he said, as quoted by Loudwire. “I was treated for alcohol and received a liver transplant, which was a perfect fit.”