As we remember the legend Sam Rivers, we've compiled a list of 10 Limp Bizkit songs that remind us why he was one of the best.
Let us know your favourites in the comments below!
10. "Clunk" - Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ (1997)
Clunk has a raw, dirty tone, playing a crucial role in building the energy before exploding into the chorus. The bass riff here perfectly mirrors the chaotic, stop-start nature of the song. The highlight for this song is the bass lick pauses during the break down.
9. "Full Nelson" - Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000)
Full Nelson features a simple yet crushing groove. The bridge bass line is incredibly groovy and locks in with John Otto's drumming to create a dense, almost suffocating wall of sound that builds before the breakdown.
8. "My Way" - Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000)
My Way gives Sam a bit more room to inject his signature swagger. The bass is melodic and full of confidence.
7. "Boiler" - Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000)
The bass line in Boiler s the emotional anchor of the song. It has a distinctive, pulsing quality, particularly in the verses.
6. "Nookie" - Significant Other (1999)
The distorted groove beneath the verse in Nookie is the immediate hook after the initial riff and a perfect demonstration of Sams ability to create a massive impact with a heavy, thumping groove.
5. "The Truth" - The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) (2005)
Pure grit and aggression. It's powerful yet played higher up the neck, giving it a menacing, almost razor-sharp quality that cuts through the mix and pushes the song's frantic pace.
4. "Counterfeit" - Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ (1997)
The bass line in Counterfeit is pure, unfiltered aggression from the debut album. It's a raw, distorted, and relentless riff that epitomizes the raw energy of early Limp Bizkit. Sams playing here is frantic and heavy, laying the foundational blueprint for Bizkits entire sound.
3. "The One" - Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000)
This one showcases Sams fantastic use of space and dynamics. The bass in this song is beautifully crafted and focuses on groove and atmosphere.
2. "Stuck" - Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ (1997)
This is an absolute behemoth. The main riff is a funky, highly syncopated monster that is notoriously difficult to replicate with the same raw swagger. It's a complex, rhythmic workout that stands as one of the most recognisable and unique bass lines in Limp Bizkit.
1. "Re-Arranged" - Significant Other (1999)
This is arguably Sams finest moment. The bass line is the absolute centerpiece, guiding the song through its dynamic shifts. It’s a deep, mournful, and incredibly melodic riff, particularly in the verses. It showcases his masterful control over tone and atmosphere, giving the song a profound sense of sadness and introspection that elevates it far beyond a typical nu-metal track.