Thundercat Honors Limp Bizkit Bassist Sam Rivers as a '90s Music Icon

In a poignant interview, acclaimed musician Thundercat reflects on the lasting impact of Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers, who sadly passed away in October 2025 at the age of 48. Thundercat, known for his genre-blending work in hip-hop, R&B, and jazz, says talking about Rivers' legacy feels "necessary" as he was a formative influence on Thundercat's own musical development.

Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, recalls being a high school student when he first heard Rivers' thunderous bass lines on Limp Bizkit's breakout hits like "Nookie" and "My Generation." He describes the band's sound as "groundbreaking" and "out of the box," defying easy categorization. Thundercat says Rivers and Limp Bizkit's fearless approach to traversing genres directly shaped his own eclectic style.

The bassist emphasizes that Rivers was a "mechanic of our childhood," a vital part of a band that defined the musical landscape of the 1990s. Thundercat fondly remembers bonding with friends over Limp Bizkit's anthemic lyrics, a testament to the group's enduring cultural resonance. He insists that despite the mixed critical reception, Limp Bizkit's work represented a genuine passion for music that spoke to a generation.

With Rivers' passing, Thundercat is reminded of the bassist's irreplaceable contribution to the band's identity and sound. He believes Rivers' distinct bass work was the "heartbeat" that anchored Limp Bizkit's genre-blending vision, a role Thundercat sees as crucial for any great rhythm section. Ultimately, Thundercat concludes that the world is "better" for having had Sam Rivers and Limp Bizkit, whose music will remain "timeless."