Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland has delivered a deeply emotional confession regarding the passing of bassist Sam Rivers. He explained the ongoing difficulty of processing the loss of a man he considered core band DNA. The band will move forward with touring bassist Richie Buxton.
“[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 in a recent interview. He emphasized that Rivers cannot be replaced. “[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. He also plays in a band with his wife, Ecca Vandal, and they’re doing really great right now. Their career’s kind of blowing up. But we’re just gonna keep Richie for as long as we can and keep moving forward.”
The guitarist’s candid remarks reveal the band’s complex emotional journey following Rivers’ death last year. Borland reflected on the band’s grieving process. The initial shock has given way to deeper mourning. “Sam is not a replaceable person. He was the heartbeat. It’s crazy talking about… very emotional talking about it. I think that last year when it happened, we were all kind of in shock, and now we’re all grieving,” he explained.
Sam Rivers, one of Limp Bizkit’s founding members, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 48. He died after a long battle with cancer. His death marked a significant loss for the nu-metal pioneers. Rivers had been instrumental in shaping the band’s sound since their formation in 1996. The bassist’s unmistakable bass tone and stage presence became synonymous with Limp Bizkit’s identity throughout their career. He contributed to the band’s rise during the nu-metal era of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Rivers’ final performance with Limp Bizkit took place at the Leeds Festival in Leeds, England, on August 24, 2025. This was just weeks before his death. The band announced his passing on social media with a heartfelt tribute. They acknowledged him as the heartbeat of the group and a founding member whose contributions helped define an entire musical generation. His loss resonated deeply with fans and fellow musicians who recognized his vital role in the band’s legacy.
In the wake of Rivers’ death, Limp Bizkit enlisted Richie Buxton as their touring bassist. He handles live performances for the band. Buxton also performs in a band with his wife Ecca Vandal. He has earned respect from the band for his musicianship and character. While Buxton fills the crucial role of bassist on stage, Borland’s recent comments make clear that the band views this as a continuation of their legacy. They honor Rivers’ irreplaceable contribution to Limp Bizkit’s history rather than viewing it as a true replacement.
