Watch Limp Bizkit pay tribute to late bassist Sam Rivers in first concert since passing
At their first live show since the passing of their bassist, Sam Rivers, Limp Bizkit paid tribute to their fellow musician and former friend.
On October 19th, the band announced the passing of the 48-year-old, writing online, “Today we lost our brother. Our bandmate. Our heartbeat. 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.”
On November 29th, they returned to the stage for the first time since his death. Just over five weeks since the tragic news, the show at the Estadio Fray Nano in Mexico City, Mexico, was bound to be moving.
Before taking to the stage, their drummer, John Otto, shared a moving statement online, which addressed Rivers. He began, “Today is going to be tough. 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.”
He also wrote, “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,” before signing off, “This one’s for you, Sammy.”
During the show, the band paid tribute to Rivers with a small video that depicted the musician in all his larger-than-life glory. The band turned their backs on the large audience to watch the tragic depictions.
On the screen, the words “Sam Rivers, our brother forever,” could be read, before it changed to “Sam Rivers, we love you forever.” The band embraced each other at the end of the touching moment.
The band also replaced Sam Rivers with Kid Not, AKA Richie Buxton, a songwriting partner/producer of tour opener Ecca Vandal.
Limp Bizkit have a handful more shows to play before the new year. They will go to Costa Rica on December 2nd, Colombia on December 5th, Peru on December 9th, Chile on December 13th, Argentina on December 16th, and Brazil on December 20th.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.