Limp Bizkit returned to the stage for their first show since the death of bassist Sam Rivers in October.
The Saturday gig in Mexico City also marked the launch of the band’s Latin American “Loserville Gringo Papi Tour.” As previously reported, Fred Durst and company vowed to keep performing in the wake of Rivers’ tragic passing.
The show opened with a tribute video to Rivers that included clips of onstage moments from throughout his career with Limp Bizkit. The surviving band members sat on chairs with their backs to the audience watching the video screen, which was emblazoned with the words “Sam Rivers, our brother forever” and “Sam Rivers, we love you forever.”
Related Video
Durst then addressed the crowd, saying, “Now we’re gonna do this shit Limp Bizkit style. Tonight, this one’s for Sam Rivers,” as the surviving members embraced each other onstage, and began the show, introducing fill-in bassist Richie “Kid Not” Buxton, who also plays with tour opener Ecca Vandal.
At one point in the show, Durst drew attention to Buxton’s performance during a break in a song, shouting, “Hey y’all, how’s Richie doing right now?!”
Everything appeared to go smoothly, though drummer John Otto opened up about the emotional intensity of playing without Rivers in an Instagram post prior to the Mexico City gig.
Otto wrote:
“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. We grew up together. Laughed together. Realized our dreams together. And traveled the world together. You’ve always been there. The godfather to my girls, my best friend — my brother. 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.
Thank you to our fans for all the messages of support and tributes to Sam. It means the world to us.
This one’s for you Sammy.”
Limp Bizkit’s aforementioned Latin American tour runs throughout December. Get tickets here.
Watch video footage from the Mexico City show below.