Limp Bizkit
Biography
Limp Bizkit is an American nu-metal band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994. The classic lineup consists of vocalist Fred Durst, guitarist Wes Borland, bassist Sam Rivers, drummer John Otto, and DJ Lethal. The band is known for Durst's aggressive vocals and Borland's experimental guitar work and elaborate stage costumes.
History
Formation and Early Years (1994–1998)
Fred Durst, a tattoo artist with interests in hip hop, punk, and heavy metal, formed the band with bassist Sam Rivers and his cousin, jazz drummer John Otto. Guitarist Wes Borland and former House of Pain turntablist DJ Lethal completed the lineup. After gaining a following in the Jacksonville underground scene, the band signed with Flip Records. Their 1997 debut album, Three Dollar Bill, Y'all, had a slow start but gained traction after touring with bands like Korn and Primus. A cover of George Michael's "Faith" became their breakout single.
Mainstream Success (1999–2001)
Limp Bizkit achieved massive mainstream success with their second album, Significant Other (1999). It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, driven by hit singles like "Nookie" and "Break Stuff". Their success was sometimes overshadowed by controversy, particularly surrounding their performance at Woodstock '99. Their third album, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000), was a monumental commercial success. It set a record for first-week sales by a rock album, selling over one million copies, and featured popular tracks such as "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" and "My Way". The album solidified their status as one of the biggest bands in the world at the time.
Lineup Changes and Hiatus (2001–2008)
In 2001, at the peak of their fame, Wes Borland left the band due to creative differences and burnout. The band continued with guitarist Mike Smith, releasing the album Results May Vary in 2003. Borland returned to the group in 2004, and they released the EP The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) in 2005, which had a more experimental sound and was released with no promotion. Afterward, the band went on an extended hiatus.
Reunion and Later Career (2009–Present)
The original lineup reunited in 2009 for a tour. They released their first full album in eight years, Gold Cobra, in 2011. Following the album's release, the band left Interscope Records and later signed with Cash Money Records, though DJ Lethal briefly departed from the band. After numerous delays and a title change from Stampede of the Disco Elephants, their sixth studio album, Still Sucks, was released on Halloween 2021. The album was praised by fans and critics for its return to their signature sound.