Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland opened up about the passing of the band’s bassist Sam Rivers in an emotional interview, making a heartfelt confession about the difficulty of moving forward without him.
Borland described Rivers as an irreplaceable part of the band’s identity, expressing that the grief is still very much present for all members.
“[Sam] was like family. I’m gonna try not to cry. It’s just like we lost a piece of our DNA. It’s too hard to talk about right now in depth,” Borland said.
He went on to acknowledge the band’s current touring bassist, Richie Buxton, while making clear that no one could truly fill Rivers’ shoes.
“[Sam] can’t ever be replaced. I mean, we’re so lucky for Richie [Buxton], who’s playing with us right now. He’s such a great player, and he’s just a wonderful guy, and we’re gonna hold on to him for as long as we can, ’cause he also plays in a band with his wife, Ecca Vandal, and they’re doing really great right now, and their career’s kind of blowing up,” Borland continued. “But we’re just gonna keep Richie for as long as we can and keep moving forward.”
Borland also reflected on the emotional timeline of the band’s grieving process since Rivers’ death last year.
“Sam is not a replaceable person. He was the heartbeat. It’s crazy talking about… very emotional talking about it,” he said. “I think that last year when it happened, we were all kind of in shock, and now we’re all grieving.”
The comments offer a rare and candid look into how Limp Bizkit is coping with the loss of one of its founding members as the band continues to perform.
Rivers passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 48. He was one of the band’s founding members, having co-founded the group alongside Fred Durst and John Otto in Jacksonville, Florida, in the early 1990s. His presence was woven into the fabric of the band from the very beginning, making his absence all the more profound for those who built the group with him.
The band confirmed his passing in an official statement, describing Rivers as their “heartbeat” — a word Borland himself echoed in his recent interview. Rivers was more than just a bass player; he was a cornerstone of the band’s identity and sound throughout its most defining years.
Rivers had faced serious health challenges in the years leading up to his death. He temporarily left Limp Bizkit in 2015 after developing liver disease linked to heavy drinking. He eventually returned to the band after that period away, though his health struggles remained known within the rock community.
The circumstances surrounding his death added another layer of tragedy to an already painful loss. Rivers was found dead in a blood-stained bathroom, and his official cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Despite the grief, Limp Bizkit has chosen to press forward, with Richie Buxton stepping in as the band’s touring bassist. Borland’s candid words make it clear that moving on is not the same as moving past — the band carries Rivers’ memory with them, even as they continue to take the stage.
