Limp Bizkit
Encyclopedia
Limp Bizkit is an American rock
band from Jacksonville, Florida
. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst
(lead vocals), Wes Borland
(guitar), Sam Rivers
(bass guitar), John Otto
(drums) and DJ Lethal
(turntables, keyboards). The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other
, released in 1999. Limp Bizkit has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and has won several other major awards. The band has sold an estimated 50 million albums worldwide.
Their third studio album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, released in 2000, continued the band's success. The album sold 1.05 million copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling rock album ever, breaking the record held for 7 years by Pearl Jam
's Vs. Following the departure of Wes Borland in 2001, Mike Smith
was brought in for the fourth studio album Results May Vary
, released in 2003. Borland rejoined the band in 2005 for The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
, but departed again. He rejoined the band in February 2009. Limp Bizkit's sixth studio album Gold Cobra
was released in June 2011.
they first started as a garage band and moved up, after Fred Durst
met Sam Rivers
. Rivers introduced Durst to his cousin, John Otto
, a drummer in Keystone Heights, FL. The three got together for a jam session and soon after started the band. The trio recruited guitarist Rob Waters and Limp Bizkit was established. The band's first four-track demo, entitled Mental Aquaducts
(which were remakes of previously written songs from Durst's previous bands Split 26 and 10Ft Shindig), was recorded with Rob Waters but left the band soon after.
Otto suggested the group consider Wes Borland
, whom he had gone to school with, for the vacant position. Durst noticed him playing in clubs and wanted to recruit him. Durst went to Philadelphia, and he instructed the other members to talk to Borland and see if he would join the band. Borland accepted, and the very night Fred came back to Jacksonville, a show was scheduled. Durst and Borland met for the first time, practiced for a half hour and then went and played the show. The band continued to play various shows, their most popular venue being at the Milkbar in Jacksonville. In 1995, Fred Durst met and talked to members of the band Korn
when they played a show in the Jacksonville area. Durst, a tattoo artist
, gave Korn bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu several tattoo
s and the two became friends.
Durst gave Korn a copy of the band's first demo tape, Mental Aquaducts
and they shrugged it off as nothing special. Later with Borland, a second demo was recorded and Korn were impressed. The demo, entitled Three Dollar Bill, Y'all Demo
included the tracks "Counterfeit
", "Stuck", "Stalemate", and "Pollution", all of which would end up on the band's debut album Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
. The demo tape was passed onto Ross Robinson
, who was producer for Korn, and he was also impressed. Ross contacted Limp Bizkit, and stated his intent to produce for the band. At a Garbage
concert, Durst had met Jordan Schur and played his demo tape for him in Schur's car. He was impressed, and wanted to sign Limp Bizkit to his label, Flip Records
. Around this time, the band was booked to tour with the bands Deftones
and House of Pain
, whose member DJ Lethal
later joined Limp Bizkit. Limp Bizkit later signed with Mojo Records
, but were later bought out by Schur and subsequently signed with Flip Records.
, was released in 1997 on Interscope. The album fared poorly on the Billboard 200
at the time of its release, although it did sell steadily over time due to extensive touring. It wasn't until the Family Values Tour
, the Trail of Tears, and Ozzfest
, which helped the album to peak at number 22 on the chart. At Ozzfest in particular, the band made a memorable impression on viewers due to the original set they played on, which consisted of a giant toilet. The band climbed out from the toilet at the beginning of the show, with Durst saying lines during the show such as "We're coming straight to you from the sewer" and "I am a piece of shit and my band is a piece of shit". Borland's outlandish style started making impressions on fans as well.
Although their first released single was "Counterfeit
", they rose to fame through a cover of George Michael
's "Faith
". The song appeared on the soundtrack of Peter Berg
's 1998 movie Very Bad Things
. Later that year, Fred lent his vocals to Korn's third album on the song "All in the Family". The album featured a second disc, with four remixes of the demo for the song and multimedia featuring interviews between Durst, Borland and the rest of Korn. Another unique idea the band came up with was the Ladies Night in Cambodia tour. Fred had noticed that mostly young males went to their concerts, and wanted more women to come, so they let women in for free at this tour. The tour was a huge success, and many more women would appear at their future concerts.
, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and received mostly positive reviews from mainstream media. The album sold 834,000 copies in its first week and has sold over 16 million copies worldwide. The first single "Nookie
", was an enormous hit on rock radio, reaching the top 10 in both rock and rap charts. The band followed-up the single with three simultaneously released singles – "Break Stuff
", "Re-Arranged
" and "N 2 Gether Now
" (featuring hip-hop artist Method Man
). "N 2 Gether Now" has been cited as an example of Fred Durst's attempt to work for unity rather than rivalry between rock and hip-hop, blurring the distinction between the two genres of music. The album features the songs "Nobody Like You" with vocals by Jonathan Davis
of Korn
and Scott Weiland
of Stone Temple Pilots
and "No Sex" with vocals by Aaron Lewis
of Staind
.
In the summer of 1999, Limp Bizkit played at the highly anticipated Woodstock '99
show in front of approximately 200,000 people. Violent action sprang up during and after their performance, including fans tearing plywood from the walls during a performance of the song "Break Stuff
". Several sexual assault
s, that included but were not limited to rape
s, were reported in the aftermath of the concert. Some examples of this latter were even caught on tape, resulting in deliberately lit fires and looting when the Red Hot Chili Peppers
played the next day. Some have blamed the band for this outbreak, although Fred Durst claimed that none of the instigations he had made at the concert were intended to cause damage.
Controversies involving the band's members began to arise. Durst particularly became involved in feuds with the metal band Slipknot
, Ozzy Osbourne
's guitarist Zakk Wylde
and engaged in physical violence with Creed
frontman Scott Stapp
. The band caused a feud with rapper Eminem
because they agreed to do a song with Eminem to ridicule Everlast
specifically, but did not show to the recording and then on MTV talking about how if Eminem and Everlast fought, DJ Lethal
said Everlast would win. Taproot
released on their website an answering machine message that Durst had left on their lead singer's phone as "revenge" for ending their record company contract with his record label.
, guitarist Wes Borland explained the meaning of the album's strange title. He said that Durst was frequently referred to as an asshole and thus called himself the "chocolate starfish". The other line in the album's title, "hot dog flavored water" was derived from an inside joke about a gas station the band visited while on the road and witnessed varieties of flavored water on display. The album set a record for highest week-one sales of a rock album with over one million copies sold in the U.S. in its first week of release, with 400,000 of those sales coming on its first day of release. Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water was certified Gold, Platinum and six times Multi-Platinum.
The first two singles "My Generation
" and "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)
" were released at the same time in promotion of the album. "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" was used for The Undertaker's entrance theme in World Wrestling Federation 2000–2002. "Take a Look Around
" was the theme song to the movie Mission: Impossible 2. A remix
, "Rollin' (Urban Assault Vehicle)" featuring Method Man
, Redman and DMX
was a club hit and was featured in the movie The Fast and the Furious
. The fourth single "My Way
" was commissioned as the opening theme for the World Wrestling Federation's WrestleMania X-Seven
. The album received mixed reviews from critics.
Controversy continued with the death of Australian teenager Jessica Michalik
, who died of asphyxiation, during a 2001 tour of Australia at the Big Day Out
festival in Sydney
, when fans rushed the stage in the mosh pit
. It was claimed by security and witnesses that Fred Durst was urging the crowd on in a possibly violent manner and that he failed to attempt to calm the crowd after the accident. Michalik was later rushed to Sydney's Concord Hospital where she died six days later. The Coroner's Court of New South Wales
findings into her death criticized the crowd control measures in use at the time.
Durst provided the courts with testimony. During the hearing he claimed, via a video connection from the U.S., that he had warned the concert's organizers Aaron Jackson, Will Pearce and Amar Tailor and promoter Vivian Lees of the potential dangers of such minimal security, even going so far as to say Limp Bizkit would "pull out" if the issue was not properly addressed. Big Day Out
attorneys attempted to pin the blame on Limp Bizkit because the band did not stop playing when they received news of the incident. Although the guitars, drums and bass ceased, DJ Lethal played a quiet computer-generated loop. While admitting that Lethal took it upon himself to play the interlude
, Durst claimed that the quiet melody did have a soothing effect on the crowd.
The Coroner's Court decided that, while the band could have been more helpful in efforts to aid the girl, the security practices employed by festival organizers Creative Entertainment Australia bore the brunt of the blame. After viewing videotapes and hearing witness testimony, however, Milledge, the coroner, said it was evident that the density of the crowd was dangerous at the time Limp Bizkit took the stage – therefore they had to erect a cage around the band. Durst stated that he was "emotionally scarred" because of the teenagers death.
Coincidentally, Cedric Bixler-Zavala
of At the Drive-In
(later of The Mars Volta
) earlier lashed out at the crowd against moshing that same day, with the crowd's refusal to stop causing him and his band to leave. In the fall of 2001, Wes Borland left Limp Bizkit for the first time. Strained relations between him and Durst contributed to his decision. His departure was a major blow to the band, as he was along with Durst, a creative force in the group. The last known song the band was working on with Wes was "Relax", a semi-cover take on Frankie Goes to Hollywood
's song, from the Zoolander
soundtrack.
.
On March 30, 2003, Limp Bizkit performed live for the first time in two years, at WWE's WrestleMania XIX
. They played "Crack Addict" and "Rollin" at the show. They signed up for several live tours, despite their lack of a guitarist. It was revealed that the guitarists for the WrestleMania
show were Head
from Korn
and Mike Smith
from Snot
. During this time, Durst spoke of many collaborations with guitarists and a rap guests on songs for the album. Among them were Rivers Cuomo
of Weezer
, Page Hamilton
of Helmet
, Al Jourgensen
of Ministry
, Head of Korn, Jay-Z
, Bubba Sparxxx
and Snoop Dogg
. None of the songs with those guitarists would make it onto the album, except "Build a Bridge", which was written with Welch, and "Red Light – Green Light", which featured Snoop Dogg.
The finalists from the "Put Your Guitar Where Your Mouth Is" contest were rejected in favor of former Snot guitarist Mike Smith. The band changed its logo to "limpbizkit" to promote their change of style. The band had already recorded an album's worth of material for an upcoming release. But with Mike Smith now in the band, it was decided that they would go back in the studio and record another album's worth of songs. The best of these tracks would make it onto the final release. Durst refers to the tracks recorded during this period that did not make it to the album as the 'Off the Record' tracks, as if it were an album in itself.
On September 23, 2003, Results May Vary
, their fourth album, debuted at #3 with over 320,000 copies sold, breaking the group's #1 spree on the Billboard 200. It received platinum certification (1 million copies sold) in the United States in 2008, almost 5 years after its release. The album received poor reviews by critics. Rolling Stones review gave 3 out of 5 stars, Playlouder
called it 'fucking crap', and Yahoo! Launch labeled it 'a frightening insight into the vacuous state of 21st century culture'. An acoustic cover of The Who
's "Behind Blue Eyes
" was a moderate hit on mainstream radio and its video featured actress Halle Berry
. "Eat You Alive
" was released as the first single off the album, cracking the top 20 of both American rock charts with a video that features actress Thora Birch
being berated and actor Bill Paxton
as her father who is looking for her. The album's ballad "Build a Bridge" was the official theme song of WWE's Survivor Series
pay-per-view
event in November 2003. Another song from the album "Almost Over
", was in the Rock Top 40, though it was never released as a single or video.
In 2003, Limp Bizkit toured on the Summer Sanitarium Tour with headliners Metallica
, along with Linkin Park
, Deftones
and Mudvayne
to promote Metallica's 2003 release, St. Anger
. At the tour's stop in Chicago, IL, attendees of the concert threw items and heckled Durst from the moment he walked on stage. With the crowd chanting "Fuck Fred Durst" and continuing their assault on him, Durst threw the mic down after six songs and walked off stage, but not before heckling the crowd back. A Sun-Times article stated that the hostility was started by radio personality Mancow.
had been playing with the band again. By July 8, a fan site released an official report that Borland was recording with the band in London. Photos appeared on the band's official website of him playing with the band, and a live video of them playing a new song "The Truth". Durst said of Borland's re-entry, "We are very content with Mike being gone. We are the type of people that stay true to our family and our instincts and at any moment will act on intuition as a whole. Mike wasn't the guy. We had fun playing with him, but always knew, in the back of our minds, that he wasn't where we needed him to be mentally." At this stage, they reverted back to the use of their original logo.
The band returned to the studio with producer Ross Robinson
, who had worked with them on Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
, to create a seven track album titled The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
. Drummer John Otto
was only able to contribute to one track on the album due to personal matters, with Sammy Siegler
providing percussion on the remaining tracks. Durst promised fans before its release that it would be a return to the 'rawer, more abrasive style' of their first album. The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) was released internationally on May 3, 2005 with little fanfare or advertising, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard 200 and selling 37,000 copies in its first week. It has sold just slightly over 100,000 in the US and over 1,000,000 copies worldwide. It received mixed reviews, with some critics thinking that Durst was trying to imitate Rage Against the Machine
's lead singer Zack de la Rocha
.
Limp Bizkit's first greatest hits compilation
was released on November 8, 2005. It contains material from the band's first four albums. An additional was released in conjunction with the compilation. The album and DVD were barely promoted by the band's label, even to the point where Durst claimed he was being forced to do interviews about a compilation he was not very excited about. The album debuted at number 47. Wes Borland stated that the release was "a piece of shit and a waste of money." After the release of Greatest Hitz and the departure of Wes Borland the band unofficially went into a hiatus. Durst began directing and acting in films such as Population 436
and The Longshots
. John Otto went into rehab and collaborated with other bands and artists, as did Sam Rivers and DJ Lethal. Rock im Park 2001
was released on March 31, 2008. The live album and DVD documented their 2001 performance at Rock im Park in 2001 and showcases the band at the height of their popularity.
was to replace Wes Borland, but Balsamo was demanding a written contract, which the band was either unable or unwilling to give. Despite no official confirmation from the band, members of Limp Bizkit signed up on Twitter, including Borland and DJ Lethal confirming the accounts to be real. In late 2008, bassist Sam Rivers
hinted that the group was in the early stages of writing new material for the sixth album, the bands first full-length album in 6 years.
On February 11, 2009, Durst posted on his Twitter account the message "1am pacific time- limpbizkit.com tonight". The site was up and running for the first time in years and confirmed the return of Borland. Through a blog post on the homepage, Fred Durst and Wes Borland issued a joint statement:
On May 20, 2009 the original lineup of Limp Bizkit performed together for the first time in eight years, at their first show ever in Latvia
. The band went on to play a European tour named Unicorns N' Rainbows Tour
. They also played German festivals Rock Im Park and Rock Am Ring
on June 5 and 7 respectively, headlining the latter. Five days later the band landed in the UK and played at Festival. On August 1, the band took stage for a sold-out show in London's HMV Forum as part of Kerrang's Week of Rock. Limp Bizkit was officially inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame at the Kerrang! Awards and the next day performed at the Sonisphere Festival, playing in between Machine Head
and Nine Inch Nails
.
The band played alongside Nine Inch Nails
and Keane in ETPFest
, Korea, on August 15. Limp Bizkit also performed at Reading and Leeds
and Pukkelpop
. Durst stated in an interview that he ended his feud with Corey Taylor
and Trent Reznor
. August 24, 2009 marked the official first day of recording new material, as well as the first time the entire band had recorded together since 2000 (Results May Vary without Wes Borland and The Unquestionable Truth Part 1 without John Otto).
article that the new album would be titled Gold Cobra
and would be released early 2010 (though later delayed until mid-2011) through Interscope
. Durst told Kerrang Magazine in December 2009 that the album will feature 10 songs with interludes/segues between the songs. In a series of radio interviews Fred revealed that Wes Borland came up with the album name "Gold Cobra". Regarding the albums first single, Durst stated: "We are getting a little grief from the big wigs as to what single 'they' want out first. Obviously 'we' are pushing for Douchebag. If they choose to run with something else we will figure out a way to release it anyway." On March 29 Durst stated that eighteen songs are recorded and are currently in the process of being mixed, but noted that not all songs will make the album.
After the recording of Gold Cobra, Limp Bizkit performed a number of U.S. shows including 98 Rock Fest, Rock on the Range
, Beale Street Music Festival, EdgeFest 20, and Buzzfest. On May 10 the band performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
. Following the festival shows, the band was scheduled to embark on a full U.S. tour in July, but was postponed to fall 2010 due to the bands desire to play arenas instead of amphitheaters. Starting in August and into the fall the band performed a full European tour. The band was also scheduled for a South American tour, but was canceled due to a neck injury sustained by Fred Durst while performing in Warsaw, Poland.
In May 2010, Limp Bizkit played a free show in New York City. On April 30, 2010, Durst posted the song "Why Try" via the band's official website. Due to delays, Durst decided to post a second song on August 7, 2010 for fans waiting for Gold Cobra, titled "Walking Away" through a blog on their official site. On March 14, 2011, Durst hinted at a possible seventh album for the band by announcing via Twitter that the mixed songs would make up the track lists for more than one album: "Obviously we have two albums here, in case you didn't pick up on that. First one is Gold Cobra. Due soon." These two separate albums were later confirmed on March 18, the same day that Durst tweeted the word finished, along with a video, saying that the album had been completed.
On April 8, Durst informed fans that a meeting between the band and their record label (Interscope) had taken place and gave the official release date for Gold Cobra, that being June 28, 2011. This was later confirmed by Interscope. The lead single
, "Shotgun
", was then released on iTunes
. A second single, "Gold Cobra", was leaked onto the band's Facebook page. On July 6th, 2011 Metal Hammer posted a review of Gold Cobra, stating that "Overall, GC is closest to Chocolate Starfish in term album’s production. The band never stray too far from the blueprint laid out on the first three bizkit albums but who wants AC/DC, Motorhead or Limp Bizkit to sound any different to how they always have? Aside from the odd duff moment, Gold Cobra throws out the hot s**t that’ll make you bounce in the mosh pit over and over again."
In late September 2011, the band filmed a music video for the track, "Autotunage
", for release in October. The video features an appearance from comedian Tom Green
as confirmed via twitter. In October, Fred Durst (via twitter) also hinted at the possibility of the band releasing more than one music video for various tracks off of Gold Cobra.
In an October 2011 video interview, filmed at a Tony Hawk
Charity Fundraiser, Fred Durst stated to the interviewer that the band are currently planning for and lining up dates for a U.S. Tour. This would make it the first U.S. tour (with all original members) since 2001.
revealed that Limp Bizkit's seventh studio album "will sound like 'Bring It Back,'" referring to a song from Gold Cobra. Borland also revealed, in a different interview, that the band are writing new material while touring on their Gold Cobra Tour
.
, rapcore
, rap metal
and alternative metal
. The band has stated that their primary influences include Korn
, Faith No More
, Nirvana
, The Sugarhill Gang
, Cypress Hill
, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, Guns N' Roses
, Eric B. & Rakim
, De La Soul
, House of Pain
, Grandmaster Flash
, Kiss
, Suicidal Tendencies
, Jane's Addiction
, Hed PE, Rage Against the Machine
, Lynyrd Skynyrd
, Black Sabbath
, Primus
, Tool
, and Deftones
.
Former members
Session members
Timeline
Grammy Awards
MTV Video Music Awards
Other awards and nominations
MTV's TRL
Further expanding upon the group's achievements and popularity, they were also the first group inducted into MTV's TRL
"Hall of Fame" on May 26, 2001.
The band accomplished this with five total videos making it into "retirement" status. The qualifications to make retirement status were to have fans vote a video onto the show for 65 consecutive days. The following videos have been retired:
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band from Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst
Fred Durst
William Frederick "Fred" Durst is an American musician, director, producer and actor, well known as the frontman of the band Limp Bizkit.-Early life:...
(lead vocals), Wes Borland
Wes Borland
Wesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
(guitar), Sam Rivers
Sam Rivers (bassist)
Sam Rivers is the bassist and one of the founding members of the band Limp Bizkit. He is the cousin of the band's drummer, John Otto.-Early life:...
(bass guitar), John Otto
John Otto (drummer)
John Everett Otto is the drummer and co-founder of the band Limp Bizkit.-Limp Bizkit:Otto, along with his cousin Sam Rivers, and Fred Durst, founded Limp Bizkit in 1994, while attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts...
(drums) and DJ Lethal
DJ Lethal
Leor Dimant , better known as DJ Lethal, is a turntablist and producer and member of the bands Limp Bizkit, House of Pain and La Coka Nostra.-Early life:Leor Dimant was born in Riga, Latvia, when this country was still part of the Soviet Union...
(turntables, keyboards). The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other
Significant Other
Significant Other is the second album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released on June 22, 1999. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 834,000 copies in its first week and received a Grammy Award nomination later in the year of its release. The RIAA certified it 7x platinum in...
, released in 1999. Limp Bizkit has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and has won several other major awards. The band has sold an estimated 50 million albums worldwide.
Their third studio album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, released in 2000, continued the band's success. The album sold 1.05 million copies in its first week, making it the fastest-selling rock album ever, breaking the record held for 7 years by Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
's Vs. Following the departure of Wes Borland in 2001, Mike Smith
Mike Smith (guitarist)
Mike Smith is a musician, best known as the former guitarist of Snot, TheStart, and Limp Bizkit. Currently he is the singer and guitarist for the band Evolver.- Rumbledog :...
was brought in for the fourth studio album Results May Vary
Results May Vary
Results May Vary is the fourth studio album by Limp Bizkit, released on September 23, 2003 through Interscope Records. The album debuted at #3 in the US with over 320,000 copies sold on the first week, breaking the group's #1 spree on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Platinum on June...
, released in 2003. Borland rejoined the band in 2005 for The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
The Unquestionable Truth is the fifth studio album by Limp Bizkit, released on May 2, 2005 internationally and a day later in North America. Despite being less than 30 minutes long and containing only seven tracks, it is still considered a studio album rather than an EP. The Unquestionable Truth ...
, but departed again. He rejoined the band in February 2009. Limp Bizkit's sixth studio album Gold Cobra
Gold Cobra
Gold Cobra is the sixth studio album by American rock band Limp Bizkit, released on June 24 in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, on June 27 in the United Kingdom and on June 28 in the rest of the world in 2011 by Interscope Records...
was released in June 2011.
Formation and early years (1994–1996)
Limp Bizkit was founded in 1994 in JacksonvilleJacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
they first started as a garage band and moved up, after Fred Durst
Fred Durst
William Frederick "Fred" Durst is an American musician, director, producer and actor, well known as the frontman of the band Limp Bizkit.-Early life:...
met Sam Rivers
Sam Rivers (bassist)
Sam Rivers is the bassist and one of the founding members of the band Limp Bizkit. He is the cousin of the band's drummer, John Otto.-Early life:...
. Rivers introduced Durst to his cousin, John Otto
John Otto (drummer)
John Everett Otto is the drummer and co-founder of the band Limp Bizkit.-Limp Bizkit:Otto, along with his cousin Sam Rivers, and Fred Durst, founded Limp Bizkit in 1994, while attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts...
, a drummer in Keystone Heights, FL. The three got together for a jam session and soon after started the band. The trio recruited guitarist Rob Waters and Limp Bizkit was established. The band's first four-track demo, entitled Mental Aquaducts
Mental Aquaducts
- History :Limp Bizkit was formed in 1994 by Fred Durst and Sam Rivers. Rivers introduced Durst to his cousin, aspiring drummer John Otto. The band were named "Limp Biscuit" and later "Limp Bizkit". The band then recruited Rob Waters as guitarist for their first demo tape entitled Mental Aquaducts....
(which were remakes of previously written songs from Durst's previous bands Split 26 and 10Ft Shindig), was recorded with Rob Waters but left the band soon after.
Otto suggested the group consider Wes Borland
Wes Borland
Wesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
, whom he had gone to school with, for the vacant position. Durst noticed him playing in clubs and wanted to recruit him. Durst went to Philadelphia, and he instructed the other members to talk to Borland and see if he would join the band. Borland accepted, and the very night Fred came back to Jacksonville, a show was scheduled. Durst and Borland met for the first time, practiced for a half hour and then went and played the show. The band continued to play various shows, their most popular venue being at the Milkbar in Jacksonville. In 1995, Fred Durst met and talked to members of the band Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
when they played a show in the Jacksonville area. Durst, a tattoo artist
Tattoo artist
A tattoo artist is an individual who applies permanent decorative tattoos, often in an established business called a tattoo shop, tattoo studio or tattoo parlour...
, gave Korn bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu several tattoo
Tattoo
A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes...
s and the two became friends.
Durst gave Korn a copy of the band's first demo tape, Mental Aquaducts
Mental Aquaducts
- History :Limp Bizkit was formed in 1994 by Fred Durst and Sam Rivers. Rivers introduced Durst to his cousin, aspiring drummer John Otto. The band were named "Limp Biscuit" and later "Limp Bizkit". The band then recruited Rob Waters as guitarist for their first demo tape entitled Mental Aquaducts....
and they shrugged it off as nothing special. Later with Borland, a second demo was recorded and Korn were impressed. The demo, entitled Three Dollar Bill, Y'all Demo
Three Dollar Bill, Y'all Demo
Three Dollar Bill, Y'all Demo is the second demo tape by Americian Nu metal band Limp Bizkit.- History :All four tracks from the demo were re-recorded for Limp Bizkit's debut album Three Dollar Bill, Yall$. The song "Counterfeit" is on two of the three Limp Bizkit demo tapes,...
included the tracks "Counterfeit
Counterfeit (song)
"Counterfeit" is a song by Limp Bizkit from their debut album Three Dollar Bill, Yall$. The song can be traced back to one of the band's early demo tapes in 1996, but it could have been written as early as 1995, when guitarist Wes Borland first joined....
", "Stuck", "Stalemate", and "Pollution", all of which would end up on the band's debut album Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ is the debut album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released July 1, 1997 through Flip/Interscope. It was produced by Ross Robinson and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA in July 2001 in the US...
. The demo tape was passed onto Ross Robinson
Ross Robinson
Ross Robinson, son of Byron Katie, is an American multi-platinum music producer, who has discovered successful acts such as Korn, At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Repeater, Slipknot and Limp Bizkit. Robinson has also worked with Machine Head, Vanilla Ice, The Cure, Sepultura and many others...
, who was producer for Korn, and he was also impressed. Ross contacted Limp Bizkit, and stated his intent to produce for the band. At a Garbage
Garbage (band)
Garbage are an alternative rock band formed in Madison, Wisconsin in 1994. The group consists of Scottish singer Shirley Manson and American musicians Duke Erikson , Steve Marker and Butch Vig . All four members are involved in songwriting and production...
concert, Durst had met Jordan Schur and played his demo tape for him in Schur's car. He was impressed, and wanted to sign Limp Bizkit to his label, Flip Records
Flip Records (1994)
Flip Records is a Californian record label, started by Jordan Schur in 1994. Flip had distribution deals with other labels including Epic, Elektra and A&M until Schur was named president of Geffen and issued through Geffen/Interscope...
. Around this time, the band was booked to tour with the bands Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
and House of Pain
House of Pain
House of Pain is an American hip hop group who released three albums in the 1990s before lead rapper Everlast left to pursue his solo career again. The group's name is a reference to the H.G. Wells novel The Island of Dr...
, whose member DJ Lethal
DJ Lethal
Leor Dimant , better known as DJ Lethal, is a turntablist and producer and member of the bands Limp Bizkit, House of Pain and La Coka Nostra.-Early life:Leor Dimant was born in Riga, Latvia, when this country was still part of the Soviet Union...
later joined Limp Bizkit. Limp Bizkit later signed with Mojo Records
Mojo Records
Mojo Records was a California-based record label founded in 1995 by producer Jay Rifkin. It became a joint venture with Universal Music Group in 1996 and then sold to the Zomba Group in 2001, who placed it under their subsidiary Jive Records...
, but were later bought out by Schur and subsequently signed with Flip Records.
Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ (1997–1998)
The band's first full length recording Three Dollar Bill, Yall$Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ is the debut album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released July 1, 1997 through Flip/Interscope. It was produced by Ross Robinson and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA in July 2001 in the US...
, was released in 1997 on Interscope. The album fared poorly on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
at the time of its release, although it did sell steadily over time due to extensive touring. It wasn't until the Family Values Tour
Family Values Tour
The Family Values Tour was created by the band Korn in 1998 to be an annual rock & rap tour.The tour began in 1998 and would take the year off in 2000, due to heavy competition from other tours, such as the Anger Management Tour and the Summer Sanitarium Tour. After a four year hiatus, the Family...
, the Trail of Tears, and Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
, which helped the album to peak at number 22 on the chart. At Ozzfest in particular, the band made a memorable impression on viewers due to the original set they played on, which consisted of a giant toilet. The band climbed out from the toilet at the beginning of the show, with Durst saying lines during the show such as "We're coming straight to you from the sewer" and "I am a piece of shit and my band is a piece of shit". Borland's outlandish style started making impressions on fans as well.
Although their first released single was "Counterfeit
Counterfeit (song)
"Counterfeit" is a song by Limp Bizkit from their debut album Three Dollar Bill, Yall$. The song can be traced back to one of the band's early demo tapes in 1996, but it could have been written as early as 1995, when guitarist Wes Borland first joined....
", they rose to fame through a cover of George Michael
George Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
's "Faith
Faith (George Michael song)
"Faith" is a #1 song, written and performed by George Michael, released as a single on Columbia Records, from his 1987 Faith album. According to Billboard magazine, it was the top-selling single of the year in the United States in 1988....
". The song appeared on the soundtrack of Peter Berg
Peter Berg
Peter Berg is an American actor, film director, producer and writer. He is known for directing films such as Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom, The Rundown, Hancock and Battleship. He also developed the television series Friday Night Lights, which was adapted from the film he directed. As an actor...
's 1998 movie Very Bad Things
Very Bad Things
Very Bad Things is a 1998 black comedy directed by Peter Berg, based on the book by Gene Brewer. It stars Jon Favreau, Cameron Diaz, Christian Slater, Jeremy Piven, Daniel Stern, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Leland Orser.-Plot:...
. Later that year, Fred lent his vocals to Korn's third album on the song "All in the Family". The album featured a second disc, with four remixes of the demo for the song and multimedia featuring interviews between Durst, Borland and the rest of Korn. Another unique idea the band came up with was the Ladies Night in Cambodia tour. Fred had noticed that mostly young males went to their concerts, and wanted more women to come, so they let women in for free at this tour. The tour was a huge success, and many more women would appear at their future concerts.
Significant Other (1999–2000)
In 1999, Limp Bizkit found major worldwide success with their second album Significant OtherSignificant Other
Significant Other is the second album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released on June 22, 1999. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 834,000 copies in its first week and received a Grammy Award nomination later in the year of its release. The RIAA certified it 7x platinum in...
, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and received mostly positive reviews from mainstream media. The album sold 834,000 copies in its first week and has sold over 16 million copies worldwide. The first single "Nookie
Nookie (song)
"Nookie" is the first single released from the album Significant Other by Limp Bizkit. It was nominated for "Best Hard Rock Performance" at the 2000 Grammy Awards....
", was an enormous hit on rock radio, reaching the top 10 in both rock and rap charts. The band followed-up the single with three simultaneously released singles – "Break Stuff
Break Stuff
"Break Stuff" is a song by the nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Break Stuff is the band's fourth and final single that resulted from their studio album Significant Other. The single was released alongside "N 2 Gether Now".-Music video:...
", "Re-Arranged
Re-Arranged
"Re-Arranged" is a song by nu metal band Limp Bizkit from their second studio album, Significant Other. It was released as the band's second single from the album and was the band's only #1 single on the Modern Rock chart, as well as the first nu metal song to reach number one on that chart.The...
" and "N 2 Gether Now
N 2 Gether Now
"N 2 Gether Now" is a hip hop song by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit. It was released as the third single in their second album Significant Other. The single was released alongside their last single "Break Stuff."-Music:...
" (featuring hip-hop artist Method Man
Method Man
Clifford Smith , better known by his stage name Method Man is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man...
). "N 2 Gether Now" has been cited as an example of Fred Durst's attempt to work for unity rather than rivalry between rock and hip-hop, blurring the distinction between the two genres of music. The album features the songs "Nobody Like You" with vocals by Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Davis
Jonathan Houseman Davis is the lead vocalist and frontman for the nu metal band Korn. Davis was ranked 16th on Hit Parader 's list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists".-Early life:...
of Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
and Scott Weiland
Scott Weiland
Scott Weiland is an American musician, lyricist, and vocalist, most notable for his work with Grammy Award-winning rock band Stone Temple Pilots. Weiland is also known for his five-year career with supergroup Velvet Revolver as well as his own solo career...
of Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
and "No Sex" with vocals by Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis, , is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock group Staind, with whom he has released seven studio albums. He has since ventured into country music with his debut solo album, Town Line...
of Staind
Staind
Staind is an American rock band that was formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki...
.
In the summer of 1999, Limp Bizkit played at the highly anticipated Woodstock '99
Woodstock 1999
Woodstock 1999, also called Woodstock 99, performed July 22–25, 1999, was the second large-scale music festival that attempted to emulate the original Woodstock Festival of 1969. Like the previous Woodstock festivals it was performed in upstate New York, this time in Rome, New York, around 200...
show in front of approximately 200,000 people. Violent action sprang up during and after their performance, including fans tearing plywood from the walls during a performance of the song "Break Stuff
Break Stuff
"Break Stuff" is a song by the nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Break Stuff is the band's fourth and final single that resulted from their studio album Significant Other. The single was released alongside "N 2 Gether Now".-Music video:...
". Several sexual assault
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is an assault of a sexual nature on another person, or any sexual act committed without consent. Although sexual assaults most frequently are by a man on a woman, it may involve any combination of two or more men, women and children....
s, that included but were not limited to rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
s, were reported in the aftermath of the concert. Some examples of this latter were even caught on tape, resulting in deliberately lit fires and looting when the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
played the next day. Some have blamed the band for this outbreak, although Fred Durst claimed that none of the instigations he had made at the concert were intended to cause damage.
Controversies involving the band's members began to arise. Durst particularly became involved in feuds with the metal band Slipknot
Slipknot (band)
Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
, Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
's guitarist Zakk Wylde
Zakk Wylde
Zachary Phillip Wylde , best known by the stage name Zakk Wylde, is an American musician, songwriter, and occasional actor who is best known as the former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of the heavy metal band Black Label Society. He was the lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory,...
and engaged in physical violence with Creed
Creed (band)
Creed is an American rock band formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida. Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, one of which has been certified diamond, and has sold over 28 million records in the United States, with an...
frontman Scott Stapp
Scott Stapp
Scott Alan Stapp is an American musician and singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Creed, of which he is a founding member. His debut solo album, The Great Divide, was released in 2005. A second album, Between Lust and Love, is currently in production...
. The band caused a feud with rapper Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
because they agreed to do a song with Eminem to ridicule Everlast
Everlast (musician)
Erik Francis Schrody , better known by his stage name Everlast, is a Grammy Award-winning American rapper and songwriter, known for his solo hit "What It's Like" and as the front-man for rap group House of Pain. He is also part of the hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which consists of members of...
specifically, but did not show to the recording and then on MTV talking about how if Eminem and Everlast fought, DJ Lethal
DJ Lethal
Leor Dimant , better known as DJ Lethal, is a turntablist and producer and member of the bands Limp Bizkit, House of Pain and La Coka Nostra.-Early life:Leor Dimant was born in Riga, Latvia, when this country was still part of the Soviet Union...
said Everlast would win. Taproot
Taproot (band)
Taproot is a four-piece rock group from Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are most known for their hit single "Poem" , as well as a number of other singles from 2000 to the present.-Pre-formation:...
released on their website an answering machine message that Durst had left on their lead singer's phone as "revenge" for ending their record company contract with his record label.
Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water and Borland's departure (2000–2001)
15 months later, Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water was released on October 17, 2000. In an interview with Guitar WorldGuitar World
Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
, guitarist Wes Borland explained the meaning of the album's strange title. He said that Durst was frequently referred to as an asshole and thus called himself the "chocolate starfish". The other line in the album's title, "hot dog flavored water" was derived from an inside joke about a gas station the band visited while on the road and witnessed varieties of flavored water on display. The album set a record for highest week-one sales of a rock album with over one million copies sold in the U.S. in its first week of release, with 400,000 of those sales coming on its first day of release. Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water was certified Gold, Platinum and six times Multi-Platinum.
The first two singles "My Generation
My Generation (Limp Bizkit song)
"My Generation" is a song by Limp Bizkit from the album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. The song was released as the first single simultaneously with "Rollin' ". My Generation's video clip featured a raucous attitude that is displayed at concerts...
" and "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)
Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)
"Rollin' " is a song by the American nu metal band Limp Bizkit from their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. It was released as the second single along with "My Generation". The song spent three weeks at #1 in the United Kingdom, their only British chart-topper...
" were released at the same time in promotion of the album. "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" was used for The Undertaker's entrance theme in World Wrestling Federation 2000–2002. "Take a Look Around
Take A Look Around (song)
Take a Look Around is the third single by the American nü metal band Limp Bizkit from their third album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water...
" was the theme song to the movie Mission: Impossible 2. A remix
Remix
A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song ....
, "Rollin' (Urban Assault Vehicle)" featuring Method Man
Method Man
Clifford Smith , better known by his stage name Method Man is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man...
, Redman and DMX
DMX (rapper)
Earl Simmons , better known by his stage name DMX, is a multiplatinum American rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name pays tribute to the Oberheim DMX drum machine, an instrument he used when he made his own rap beats in the 80's...
was a club hit and was featured in the movie The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious (2001 film)
The Fast and the Furious is a 2001 street racing action film starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster. Directed by Rob Cohen, The Fast and the Furious was the first mainstream film to feature the Asian automotive import scene in North America. It is the first film...
. The fourth single "My Way
My Way (Limp Bizkit song)
My Way is a song by Limp Bizkit, from their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. It was the fourth single released from the album.There were three versions of this single released, but only two were widely available...
" was commissioned as the opening theme for the World Wrestling Federation's WrestleMania X-Seven
WrestleMania X-Seven
WrestleMania X-Seven was the seventeenth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by the World Wrestling Federation . It took place on April 1, 2001 at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas. The event was the first WrestleMania held in the state of Texas...
. The album received mixed reviews from critics.
Controversy continued with the death of Australian teenager Jessica Michalik
Jessica Michalik
Jessica Anna Michalik was an Australian teenage girl from Dee Why, Sydney who died as a result of asphyxiation five days after being crushed in a mosh pit during the 2001 Big Day Out music festival during a performance by nu metal band Limp Bizkit.-Incident:The Coroner's Court of New South Wales...
, who died of asphyxiation, during a 2001 tour of Australia at the Big Day Out
Big Day Out
The Big Day Out is an annual music festival held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand in late January. It started in Sydney in 1992, spread to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth by 1993, with the Gold Coast and Auckland joining in 1994...
festival in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, when fans rushed the stage in the mosh pit
Moshing
Moshing is a dance in which participants push or slam into each other. They also flail their limbs to breakdowns of hardcore punk and its sub-genres. It is most associated with aggressive music genres, such as hardcore punk and heavy metal...
. It was claimed by security and witnesses that Fred Durst was urging the crowd on in a possibly violent manner and that he failed to attempt to calm the crowd after the accident. Michalik was later rushed to Sydney's Concord Hospital where she died six days later. The Coroner's Court of New South Wales
Coroner's Court of New South Wales
The name of "Coroners Court" is the generic name given to proceedings in which a Coroner holds an inquest or an inquiry in New South Wales. Coroners have jurisdiction over the remains of a person and the power to make findings in respect of the cause of death of a person...
findings into her death criticized the crowd control measures in use at the time.
Durst provided the courts with testimony. During the hearing he claimed, via a video connection from the U.S., that he had warned the concert's organizers Aaron Jackson, Will Pearce and Amar Tailor and promoter Vivian Lees of the potential dangers of such minimal security, even going so far as to say Limp Bizkit would "pull out" if the issue was not properly addressed. Big Day Out
Big Day Out
The Big Day Out is an annual music festival held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand in late January. It started in Sydney in 1992, spread to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth by 1993, with the Gold Coast and Auckland joining in 1994...
attorneys attempted to pin the blame on Limp Bizkit because the band did not stop playing when they received news of the incident. Although the guitars, drums and bass ceased, DJ Lethal played a quiet computer-generated loop. While admitting that Lethal took it upon himself to play the interlude
Bridge (music)
In music, especially western popular music, a bridge is a contrasting section which also prepares for the return of the original material section...
, Durst claimed that the quiet melody did have a soothing effect on the crowd.
The Coroner's Court decided that, while the band could have been more helpful in efforts to aid the girl, the security practices employed by festival organizers Creative Entertainment Australia bore the brunt of the blame. After viewing videotapes and hearing witness testimony, however, Milledge, the coroner, said it was evident that the density of the crowd was dangerous at the time Limp Bizkit took the stage – therefore they had to erect a cage around the band. Durst stated that he was "emotionally scarred" because of the teenagers death.
Coincidentally, Cedric Bixler-Zavala
Cedric Bixler-Zavala
Cedric Bixler-Zavala is a Grammy Award-winning Mexican-American musician known for his work as frontman and lyricist of the progressive rock band The Mars Volta, and previously as frontman and occasional guitarist of the post-hardcore punk group At the Drive-In...
of At the Drive-In
At the Drive-In
At the Drive-In was an American rock band from El Paso, Texas, considered part of the post-hardcore genre and active from 1993 to 2001. They were known for their extremely energetic stage shows which hearkened back to the 1980s hardcore scene...
(later of The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta is a Grammy award winning American progressive rock band from El Paso, Texas. Founded in 2001 by guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala, the band incorporates various influences including progressive rock, krautrock, jazz fusion, Latin American music, and...
) earlier lashed out at the crowd against moshing that same day, with the crowd's refusal to stop causing him and his band to leave. In the fall of 2001, Wes Borland left Limp Bizkit for the first time. Strained relations between him and Durst contributed to his decision. His departure was a major blow to the band, as he was along with Durst, a creative force in the group. The last known song the band was working on with Wes was "Relax", a semi-cover take on Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Frankie Goes to Hollywood were a British dance-pop band popular in the mid-1980s. The group was fronted by Holly Johnson , with Paul Rutherford , Peter Gill , Mark O'Toole , and Brian Nash .The group's debut single "Relax" was banned by the BBC in 1984 while at number six in the charts and...
's song, from the Zoolander
Zoolander
Zoolander is a 2001 American satirical comedy film directed by and starring Ben Stiller. The film contains elements from a pair of short films directed by Russell Bates and written by Drake Sather and Stiller for the VH1 Fashion Awards television specials in 1996 and 1997. The short films and the...
soundtrack.
Results May Vary (2002–2004)
With Borland's absence, Limp Bizkit began a nation-wide audition for a new guitarist called Put Your Guitar Where Your Mouth Is in 2002. Durst announced at the outset that he was interested in recruiting a female or more than one new member into the band. Thousands of hopefuls entered. Some controversy occurred when rumors surfaced that all contestants were required to sign a document giving Limp Bizkit the full ownership of any riffs they played. Each auditioner was allowed only sixty seconds in the first round. The final contestants were Monte Pittman, Anoush Saboktakin and Jonas Anderson of Fresno, CaliforniaFresno, California
Fresno is a city in central California, United States, the county seat of Fresno County. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 510,365, making it the fifth largest city in California, the largest inland city in California, and the 34th largest in the nation...
.
On March 30, 2003, Limp Bizkit performed live for the first time in two years, at WWE's WrestleMania XIX
WrestleMania XIX
WrestleMania XIX was the nineteenth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment . It took place on March 30, 2003 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The event was the first WrestleMania held in the state of Washington, and the first...
. They played "Crack Addict" and "Rollin" at the show. They signed up for several live tours, despite their lack of a guitarist. It was revealed that the guitarists for the WrestleMania
WrestleMania
WrestleMania is a professional wrestling pay-per-view event, produced annually in late March or early April by WWE, a professional wrestling promotion based in Connecticut...
show were Head
Brian Welch
Brian Phillip Welch , better known as Head, is an American musician best known as the former guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal band Korn...
from Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
and Mike Smith
Mike Smith (guitarist)
Mike Smith is a musician, best known as the former guitarist of Snot, TheStart, and Limp Bizkit. Currently he is the singer and guitarist for the band Evolver.- Rumbledog :...
from Snot
Snot (band)
Snot was an American rock band from Santa Barbara, California. Formed in 1995, the band released their debut studio album Get Some with founding vocalist Lynn Strait in 1997 and disbanded after his death in 1998. In 2008, the lineup of guitarists Mike Doling and Sonny Mayo, bassist John Fahnestock...
. During this time, Durst spoke of many collaborations with guitarists and a rap guests on songs for the album. Among them were Rivers Cuomo
Rivers Cuomo
Rivers Cuomo is an American musician, best known as the lead singer, lead guitarist, and principal songwriter of the alternative rock band Weezer. Raised in an Ashram in Connecticut, Cuomo moved to Los Angeles at age 19, where he participated in a number of rock bands before founding Weezer in 1992...
of Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
, Page Hamilton
Page Hamilton
Page Hamilton is a guitarist, singer and record producer, mostly noted for his work with alternative metal band Helmet...
of Helmet
Helmet (band)
Helmet is an alternative metal band from New York City formed in 1989. Founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton, Helmet has had numerous lineup changes, and Hamilton has been the only constant member....
, Al Jourgensen
Al Jourgensen
Alain David Jourgensen , is a Cuban-American musician best known as the founder and frontman of the industrial metal band Ministry. He is sometimes credited as Alain Jourgensen, Alien Jourgensen, Hypo Luxa , Dog, Alien Dog Star and Buck Satan...
of Ministry
Ministry (band)
Ministry is an American industrial metal band founded by lead singer Al Jourgensen in 1981. Originally a synthpop outfit, Ministry changed its style to industrial metal in the late 1980s. Ministry found mainstream success in the early 1990s with its most successful album Psalm 69: The Way to...
, Head of Korn, Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, Bubba Sparxxx
Bubba Sparxxx
Warren Anderson Mathis , known by his stage name Bubba Sparxxx, is an American Southern rapper. His biggest hit is "Ms. New Booty" featuring The Ying Yang Twins which peaked at #7 in the United States...
and Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
. None of the songs with those guitarists would make it onto the album, except "Build a Bridge", which was written with Welch, and "Red Light – Green Light", which featured Snoop Dogg.
The finalists from the "Put Your Guitar Where Your Mouth Is" contest were rejected in favor of former Snot guitarist Mike Smith. The band changed its logo to "limpbizkit" to promote their change of style. The band had already recorded an album's worth of material for an upcoming release. But with Mike Smith now in the band, it was decided that they would go back in the studio and record another album's worth of songs. The best of these tracks would make it onto the final release. Durst refers to the tracks recorded during this period that did not make it to the album as the 'Off the Record' tracks, as if it were an album in itself.
On September 23, 2003, Results May Vary
Results May Vary
Results May Vary is the fourth studio album by Limp Bizkit, released on September 23, 2003 through Interscope Records. The album debuted at #3 in the US with over 320,000 copies sold on the first week, breaking the group's #1 spree on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Platinum on June...
, their fourth album, debuted at #3 with over 320,000 copies sold, breaking the group's #1 spree on the Billboard 200. It received platinum certification (1 million copies sold) in the United States in 2008, almost 5 years after its release. The album received poor reviews by critics. Rolling Stones review gave 3 out of 5 stars, Playlouder
PlayLouder
Playlouder is a digital music and media company. It is a music site which provides news, reviews, and other related content. It also claims to be the world's first Music Service Provider or MSP — a broadband, Internet Service Provider that bundles access to music content with broadband...
called it 'fucking crap', and Yahoo! Launch labeled it 'a frightening insight into the vacuous state of 21st century culture'. An acoustic cover of The Who
The Who
The Who are an English rock band formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey , Pete Townshend , John Entwistle and Keith Moon . They became known for energetic live performances which often included instrument destruction...
's "Behind Blue Eyes
Behind Blue Eyes
"Behind Blue Eyes" is the title of a song by English rock band The Who. It was released in November 1971 as the second single from their fifth album Who's Next and was written by Pete Townshend originally for his Lifehouse project...
" was a moderate hit on mainstream radio and its video featured actress Halle Berry
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is an American actress and a former fashion model. Berry received an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Image Award for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2001 for her performance in Monster's Ball, becoming...
. "Eat You Alive
Eat You Alive
"Eat You Alive" is a song by the band Limp Bizkit from their fourth studio album Results May Vary. It is the band's first single from the album....
" was released as the first single off the album, cracking the top 20 of both American rock charts with a video that features actress Thora Birch
Thora Birch
Thora Birch is an American actress. She was a child actor in the 1990s, starring in movies such as All I Want for Christmas , Patriot Games , Hocus Pocus , Now and Then , and Alaska . She came to prominence in 1999 after earning worldwide attention and praise for her performance in American Beauty...
being berated and actor Bill Paxton
Bill Paxton
William "Bill" Paxton is an American actor and film director. He gained popularity after starring roles in the films Apollo 13, Twister, Aliens, True Lies, and Titanic...
as her father who is looking for her. The album's ballad "Build a Bridge" was the official theme song of WWE's Survivor Series
Survivor Series (2003)
Survivor Series was the seventeenth annual Survivor Series professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment...
pay-per-view
Pay-per-view
Pay-per-view provides a service by which a television audience can purchase events to view via private telecast. The broadcaster shows the event at the same time to everyone ordering it...
event in November 2003. Another song from the album "Almost Over
Almost Over
"Almost Over" is a song performed by Limp Bizkit and it is included on the band's fourth album Results May Vary.This song, along with "Build A Bridge", was meant to be Limp Bizkit's next single after their second single "Behind Blue Eyes"...
", was in the Rock Top 40, though it was never released as a single or video.
In 2003, Limp Bizkit toured on the Summer Sanitarium Tour with headliners Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, along with Linkin Park
Linkin Park
Linkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California. Formed in 1996, the band rose to international fame with their debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005 and multi-platinum in several other countries...
, Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
and Mudvayne
Mudvayne
Mudvayne is an American heavy metal band. Their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate visual appearance, which has included face and body paint, masks and uniforms...
to promote Metallica's 2003 release, St. Anger
St. Anger
St. Anger is the eighth studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released on June 5, 2003 through Elektra Records. It was the band's last album released through Elektra. The album marked the end of the longest timespan between studio albums from Metallica, with nearly six...
. At the tour's stop in Chicago, IL, attendees of the concert threw items and heckled Durst from the moment he walked on stage. With the crowd chanting "Fuck Fred Durst" and continuing their assault on him, Durst threw the mic down after six songs and walked off stage, but not before heckling the crowd back. A Sun-Times article stated that the hostility was started by radio personality Mancow.
Borland's second departure and hiatus (2004–2008)
Throughout July 2004, various rumors began circulating claiming that guitarist Wes BorlandWes Borland
Wesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
had been playing with the band again. By July 8, a fan site released an official report that Borland was recording with the band in London. Photos appeared on the band's official website of him playing with the band, and a live video of them playing a new song "The Truth". Durst said of Borland's re-entry, "We are very content with Mike being gone. We are the type of people that stay true to our family and our instincts and at any moment will act on intuition as a whole. Mike wasn't the guy. We had fun playing with him, but always knew, in the back of our minds, that he wasn't where we needed him to be mentally." At this stage, they reverted back to the use of their original logo.
The band returned to the studio with producer Ross Robinson
Ross Robinson
Ross Robinson, son of Byron Katie, is an American multi-platinum music producer, who has discovered successful acts such as Korn, At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Repeater, Slipknot and Limp Bizkit. Robinson has also worked with Machine Head, Vanilla Ice, The Cure, Sepultura and many others...
, who had worked with them on Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
Three Dollar Bill, Yall$
Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ is the debut album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released July 1, 1997 through Flip/Interscope. It was produced by Ross Robinson and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA in July 2001 in the US...
, to create a seven track album titled The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
The Unquestionable Truth is the fifth studio album by Limp Bizkit, released on May 2, 2005 internationally and a day later in North America. Despite being less than 30 minutes long and containing only seven tracks, it is still considered a studio album rather than an EP. The Unquestionable Truth ...
. Drummer John Otto
John Otto (drummer)
John Everett Otto is the drummer and co-founder of the band Limp Bizkit.-Limp Bizkit:Otto, along with his cousin Sam Rivers, and Fred Durst, founded Limp Bizkit in 1994, while attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts...
was only able to contribute to one track on the album due to personal matters, with Sammy Siegler
Sammy Siegler
Sammy Siegler is an American rock drummer, notable for his many contributions to the New York hardcore scene.-With Side By Side:* New York City Hardcore - Together compilation...
providing percussion on the remaining tracks. Durst promised fans before its release that it would be a return to the 'rawer, more abrasive style' of their first album. The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) was released internationally on May 3, 2005 with little fanfare or advertising, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard 200 and selling 37,000 copies in its first week. It has sold just slightly over 100,000 in the US and over 1,000,000 copies worldwide. It received mixed reviews, with some critics thinking that Durst was trying to imitate Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
's lead singer Zack de la Rocha
Zack de la Rocha
Zacarías Manuel "Zack" de la Rocha is an American rapper, musician, poet, and activist best known as the vocalist and lyricist of Rage Against the Machine.-Early life and childhood:...
.
Limp Bizkit's first greatest hits compilation
Greatest Hitz
Greatest Hitz is Limp Bizkit's 2005 greatest hits compilation album. Along with the group's most successful singles, the album also features three new songs. "Why" and "Lean On Me" were left-overs from Results May Vary, which were dropped due to Mike Smith joining the band and new "heavier" songs...
was released on November 8, 2005. It contains material from the band's first four albums. An additional was released in conjunction with the compilation. The album and DVD were barely promoted by the band's label, even to the point where Durst claimed he was being forced to do interviews about a compilation he was not very excited about. The album debuted at number 47. Wes Borland stated that the release was "a piece of shit and a waste of money." After the release of Greatest Hitz and the departure of Wes Borland the band unofficially went into a hiatus. Durst began directing and acting in films such as Population 436
Population 436
Population 436 is a 2006 mystery-thriller film starring Jeremy Sisto, Fred Durst, Peter Outerbridge, and Charlotte Sullivan.-Synopsis:Steve Kady , a US Census Bureau researcher is sent to the remote and seemingly idyllic village of Rockwell Falls to interview residents concerning the population...
and The Longshots
The Longshots
The Longshots is a 2008 biopic family comedy-drama film sports movie based on the real life events of Jasmine Plummer, the first female to participate in the Pop Warner football tournament....
. John Otto went into rehab and collaborated with other bands and artists, as did Sam Rivers and DJ Lethal. Rock im Park 2001
Rock im Park 2001
Rock im Park 2001 is a live album released by Limp Bizkit on March 31, 2001 in the UK .-Overview:Rock im Park 2001 documents the band at the height of their popularity and captures their set at the Rock im Park festival in Nuremberg, Germany in 2001...
was released on March 31, 2008. The live album and DVD documented their 2001 performance at Rock im Park in 2001 and showcases the band at the height of their popularity.
Reunion and Unicorns N' Rainbows Tour (2008–2009)
In mid-2008 rumors began to indicate that Limp Bizkit were planning a comeback tour, these rumors were later confirmed. Interviews with various members of the band had hinted that Terry BalsamoTerry Balsamo
Terry Balsamo , is an American guitarist. He is the former guitarist of the alternative metal band Cold and the current guitarist of Evanescence.-Early projects and Cold:...
was to replace Wes Borland, but Balsamo was demanding a written contract, which the band was either unable or unwilling to give. Despite no official confirmation from the band, members of Limp Bizkit signed up on Twitter, including Borland and DJ Lethal confirming the accounts to be real. In late 2008, bassist Sam Rivers
Sam Rivers (bassist)
Sam Rivers is the bassist and one of the founding members of the band Limp Bizkit. He is the cousin of the band's drummer, John Otto.-Early life:...
hinted that the group was in the early stages of writing new material for the sixth album, the bands first full-length album in 6 years.
On February 11, 2009, Durst posted on his Twitter account the message "1am pacific time- limpbizkit.com tonight". The site was up and running for the first time in years and confirmed the return of Borland. Through a blog post on the homepage, Fred Durst and Wes Borland issued a joint statement:
On May 20, 2009 the original lineup of Limp Bizkit performed together for the first time in eight years, at their first show ever in Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
. The band went on to play a European tour named Unicorns N' Rainbows Tour
Unicorns N' Rainbows Tour
The Unicorns N' Rainbows Tour was a comeback tour by rap metal band Limp Bizkit, in 2009. It was the band's first concert tour since 2004, and the first since Wes Borland's return earlier in 2009, and is considered to be their reunion tour....
. They also played German festivals Rock Im Park and Rock Am Ring
Rock am Ring
The Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals are two simultaneous rock music festivals held annually in Germany....
on June 5 and 7 respectively, headlining the latter. Five days later the band landed in the UK and played at Festival. On August 1, the band took stage for a sold-out show in London's HMV Forum as part of Kerrang's Week of Rock. Limp Bizkit was officially inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame at the Kerrang! Awards and the next day performed at the Sonisphere Festival, playing in between Machine Head
Machine Head (band)
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
and Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
.
The band played alongside Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
and Keane in ETPFest
ETPFEST
ETP Fest or ETP Festival is one of the biggest rock music festivals in South Korea founded by rock singer Seo Taiji. ETP stands for Eerie Taiji People.-2004:The line up included Seo Tai Ji band, Hoobastank, Zebrahead, PE'Z, and Pia.-2008:-2009:...
, Korea, on August 15. Limp Bizkit also performed at Reading and Leeds
Reading and Leeds Festivals
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are a pair of annual music festivals that take place in Reading and Leeds in England. The events take place simultaneously on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend, sharing the same bill. The Reading Festival is held at Little John's Farm...
and Pukkelpop
Pukkelpop
Pukkelpop is an annual music festival which takes place near the city of Hasselt, Belgium in mid-to-late August. It is held within a large enclosure of fields and woodland—between a dual carriageway called Kempische Steenweg—in the village of Kiewit, approximately 7 km north of Hasselt...
. Durst stated in an interview that he ended his feud with Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor
Corey Todd Taylor sometimes known by the number 8, is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Slipknot and Stone Sour. Taylor was raised by his single mother. He developed a fond feeling toward classic rock after his grandmother introduced him to it...
and Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor
Michael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
. August 24, 2009 marked the official first day of recording new material, as well as the first time the entire band had recorded together since 2000 (Results May Vary without Wes Borland and The Unquestionable Truth Part 1 without John Otto).
Gold Cobra (2010–2011)
On November 30, 2009 Durst revealed in a Kerrang!Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
article that the new album would be titled Gold Cobra
Gold Cobra
Gold Cobra is the sixth studio album by American rock band Limp Bizkit, released on June 24 in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, on June 27 in the United Kingdom and on June 28 in the rest of the world in 2011 by Interscope Records...
and would be released early 2010 (though later delayed until mid-2011) through Interscope
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that currently operates as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-History:...
. Durst told Kerrang Magazine in December 2009 that the album will feature 10 songs with interludes/segues between the songs. In a series of radio interviews Fred revealed that Wes Borland came up with the album name "Gold Cobra". Regarding the albums first single, Durst stated: "We are getting a little grief from the big wigs as to what single 'they' want out first. Obviously 'we' are pushing for Douchebag. If they choose to run with something else we will figure out a way to release it anyway." On March 29 Durst stated that eighteen songs are recorded and are currently in the process of being mixed, but noted that not all songs will make the album.
After the recording of Gold Cobra, Limp Bizkit performed a number of U.S. shows including 98 Rock Fest, Rock on the Range
Rock on the Range
Rock on the Range is an annual rock festival featuring mostly mainstream rock bands, with a classic band usually headlining the show. The festival is held at two venues; Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio and Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba...
, Beale Street Music Festival, EdgeFest 20, and Buzzfest. On May 10 the band performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jay Leno that initially aired from May 25, 1992 to May 29, 2009, and resumed production on March 1, 2010. The fourth incarnation of the Tonight Show franchise made its debut on May 25, 1992, three days following Johnny...
. Following the festival shows, the band was scheduled to embark on a full U.S. tour in July, but was postponed to fall 2010 due to the bands desire to play arenas instead of amphitheaters. Starting in August and into the fall the band performed a full European tour. The band was also scheduled for a South American tour, but was canceled due to a neck injury sustained by Fred Durst while performing in Warsaw, Poland.
In May 2010, Limp Bizkit played a free show in New York City. On April 30, 2010, Durst posted the song "Why Try" via the band's official website. Due to delays, Durst decided to post a second song on August 7, 2010 for fans waiting for Gold Cobra, titled "Walking Away" through a blog on their official site. On March 14, 2011, Durst hinted at a possible seventh album for the band by announcing via Twitter that the mixed songs would make up the track lists for more than one album: "Obviously we have two albums here, in case you didn't pick up on that. First one is Gold Cobra. Due soon." These two separate albums were later confirmed on March 18, the same day that Durst tweeted the word finished, along with a video, saying that the album had been completed.
On April 8, Durst informed fans that a meeting between the band and their record label (Interscope) had taken place and gave the official release date for Gold Cobra, that being June 28, 2011. This was later confirmed by Interscope. The lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
, "Shotgun
Shotgun (Limp Bizkit song)
"Shotgun" is a song by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit. It was released on May 17, 2011, as a digital download except in the United Kingdom where it was released on May 18, 2011.-Track listing:-Release history:-Charts:-Personnel:Limp Bizkit...
", was then released on iTunes
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
. A second single, "Gold Cobra", was leaked onto the band's Facebook page. On July 6th, 2011 Metal Hammer posted a review of Gold Cobra, stating that "Overall, GC is closest to Chocolate Starfish in term album’s production. The band never stray too far from the blueprint laid out on the first three bizkit albums but who wants AC/DC, Motorhead or Limp Bizkit to sound any different to how they always have? Aside from the odd duff moment, Gold Cobra throws out the hot s**t that’ll make you bounce in the mosh pit over and over again."
In late September 2011, the band filmed a music video for the track, "Autotunage
Autotunage
"Autotunage" is the third single from Limp Bizkit's sixth studio album Gold Cobra. It is the tenth song from Gold Cobra. It has been rumoured that a music video is under production. As the title suggests, the song features Fred Durst using autotune....
", for release in October. The video features an appearance from comedian Tom Green
Tom Green
Michael Thomas "Tom" Green is a Canadian actor, rapper, writer, comedian, talk show host and media personality. Best known for his shock humour brand of comedy, Green found mainstream prominence via his MTV television show The Tom Green Show...
as confirmed via twitter. In October, Fred Durst (via twitter) also hinted at the possibility of the band releasing more than one music video for various tracks off of Gold Cobra.
In an October 2011 video interview, filmed at a Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk
Anthony Frank "Tony" Hawk , nicknamed "The Birdman" is an American retired professional skateboarder and actor. Hawk gained significant fame for completing the first 900 as well as his licensed video game titles distributed by Activision...
Charity Fundraiser, Fred Durst stated to the interviewer that the band are currently planning for and lining up dates for a U.S. Tour. This would make it the first U.S. tour (with all original members) since 2001.
Untitled seventh album (2011–present)
In an interview in the summer with a German tattoo magazine, Wes BorlandWes Borland
Wesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
revealed that Limp Bizkit's seventh studio album "will sound like 'Bring It Back,'" referring to a song from Gold Cobra. Borland also revealed, in a different interview, that the band are writing new material while touring on their Gold Cobra Tour
Gold Cobra Tour
The Gold Cobra Tour is an ongoing tour by rap metal band Limp Bizkit, taking place in support of their album Gold Cobra, beginning in 2010...
.
Musical style and influences
Limp Bizkit's musical style has predominately been described as nu metalNu metal
Nu metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It is a fusion genre which combines elements of heavy metal with other genres, including grunge and hip hop...
, rapcore
Rapcore
Rapcore is a subgenre of rap rock fusing vocal and sometimes instrumental elements of hip hop with punk rock .-History:...
, rap metal
Rap metal
Rap metal is a subgenre of rap rock which fuses vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop music with heavy metal.-History:Rap metal originated from rap rock, a genre fusing vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop with rock...
and alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
. The band has stated that their primary influences include Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
, Faith No More
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed originally as Faith No Man in 1981 by bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Wade Worthington, vocalist Michael Morris and drummer Mike Bordin. A year later when Worthington was replaced by keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and Mike...
, Nirvana
Nirvana (band)
Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
, The Sugarhill Gang
The Sugarhill Gang
The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop group, known mostly for their 1979 hit, "Rapper's Delight", the first hip hop single to become a Top 40 hit. The song uses the instrumental track from the classic hit "Good Times" by Chic as its foundation....
, Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill is an American hip hop group from South Gate, California. Cypress Hill was the first Latino hip-hop group to have platinum and multi-platinum albums, selling over 18 million albums worldwide...
, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
, Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. & Rakim
Eric B. & Rakim were a hip-hop duo composed of DJ Eric Barrier and MC Rakim .Hailing from Long Island, New York, the pair are generally considered by hip hop enthusiasts to be one of the most influential and innovative groups in the genre...
, De La Soul
De La Soul
De La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres...
, House of Pain
House of Pain
House of Pain is an American hip hop group who released three albums in the 1990s before lead rapper Everlast left to pursue his solo career again. The group's name is a reference to the H.G. Wells novel The Island of Dr...
, Grandmaster Flash
Grandmaster Flash
Joseph Saddler better known as King Grandmaster Flash, is an American hip hop musician and DJ; one of the pioneers of hip-hop DJing, cutting, and mixing....
, Kiss
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
, Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies is a U.S. crossover thrash band founded in 1981 in Venice, Los Angeles, California by Mike Muir, its leader and only permanent member. The band is sometimes credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash"...
, Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction is an American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band's original line-up featured Perry Farrell , Dave Navarro , Eric Avery and Stephen Perkins . After breaking up in 1991, Jane's Addiction briefly reunited in 1997 and again in 2001, both times...
, Hed PE, Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
, Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
, Primus
Primus (band)
Primus is an American rock band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry "Ler" LaLonde and drummer Jay Lane. Primus originally formed in 1984 with Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, later joined by Lane, though the latter two departed...
, Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
, and Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
.
Band members
Current members- Fred DurstFred DurstWilliam Frederick "Fred" Durst is an American musician, director, producer and actor, well known as the frontman of the band Limp Bizkit.-Early life:...
– lead vocalsLead vocalistThe lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the...
(since 1995) - Wes BorlandWes BorlandWesley Louden Borland is an American musician and artist, best known as the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit. He has been in several other bands as well including: Black Light Burns, The Damning Well, Goatslayer, Big Dumb Face, and Combichrist...
– guitarsElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
(1996–2001, 2004–2006, 2009–present ) - Sam RiversSam Rivers (bassist)Sam Rivers is the bassist and one of the founding members of the band Limp Bizkit. He is the cousin of the band's drummer, John Otto.-Early life:...
– bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(since 1995) - John OttoJohn Otto (drummer)John Everett Otto is the drummer and co-founder of the band Limp Bizkit.-Limp Bizkit:Otto, along with his cousin Sam Rivers, and Fred Durst, founded Limp Bizkit in 1994, while attending Douglas Anderson School of the Arts...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(since 1995) - Leor "DJ Lethal" DimantDJ LethalLeor Dimant , better known as DJ Lethal, is a turntablist and producer and member of the bands Limp Bizkit, House of Pain and La Coka Nostra.-Early life:Leor Dimant was born in Riga, Latvia, when this country was still part of the Soviet Union...
– turntables, keyboards, samplesSampling (music)In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
, programmingProgramming (music)Programming is a form of music production and performance using electronic devices, often sequencers or computer programs, to generate music. Programming is used in nearly all forms of electronic music and in most hip hop music since the 1990s. It is also frequently used in modern pop and rock...
(since 1996)
Former members
- Rob WatersRob WatersRob Waters was the guitarist for the band Limp Bizkit before Wes Borland joined. When Rob was in the band, they were named “Limp Biscut” and not “Limp Bizkit” as they are currently known. Rob Waters was the guitarist that played on the 5-track “Mental Aquaducts” demo tape which was released in 1995...
- guitars (1995) - Terry BalsamoTerry BalsamoTerry Balsamo , is an American guitarist. He is the former guitarist of the alternative metal band Cold and the current guitarist of Evanescence.-Early projects and Cold:...
- guitars (briefly in 1995) - Mike SmithMike Smith (guitarist)Mike Smith is a musician, best known as the former guitarist of Snot, TheStart, and Limp Bizkit. Currently he is the singer and guitarist for the band Evolver.- Rumbledog :...
– guitars (2002–2004)
Session members
- Scott BorlandScott BorlandScott Borland is a musician from the United States. He is the founder of the band Big Dumb Face and a past member of Limp Bizkit.-References:...
– keyboards (1996–2000) - Brian 'Head' WelchBrian WelchBrian Phillip Welch , better known as Head, is an American musician best known as the former guitarist and co-founder of the nu metal band Korn...
– guitars (2002–2003) - Sammy SieglerSammy SieglerSammy Siegler is an American rock drummer, notable for his many contributions to the New York hardcore scene.-With Side By Side:* New York City Hardcore - Together compilation...
– drums, percussion (2005)
Timeline
Discography
Studio albums- Three Dollar Bill, Yall$Three Dollar Bill, Yall$Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ is the debut album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released July 1, 1997 through Flip/Interscope. It was produced by Ross Robinson and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA in July 2001 in the US...
(1997) - Significant OtherSignificant OtherSignificant Other is the second album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released on June 22, 1999. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 834,000 copies in its first week and received a Grammy Award nomination later in the year of its release. The RIAA certified it 7x platinum in...
(1999) - Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000)
- Results May VaryResults May VaryResults May Vary is the fourth studio album by Limp Bizkit, released on September 23, 2003 through Interscope Records. The album debuted at #3 in the US with over 320,000 copies sold on the first week, breaking the group's #1 spree on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Platinum on June...
(2003) - The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)The Unquestionable Truth is the fifth studio album by Limp Bizkit, released on May 2, 2005 internationally and a day later in North America. Despite being less than 30 minutes long and containing only seven tracks, it is still considered a studio album rather than an EP. The Unquestionable Truth ...
(2005) - Gold CobraGold CobraGold Cobra is the sixth studio album by American rock band Limp Bizkit, released on June 24 in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, on June 27 in the United Kingdom and on June 28 in the rest of the world in 2011 by Interscope Records...
(2011)
Awards and nominations
American Music Awards| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 American Music Awards of 1999 The 26th Annual American Music Awards were held on January 11, 1999.... |
Limp Bizkit | Favorite Alternative Group | |
| 2000 American Music Awards of 2000 The 27th Annual American Music Awards were held on January 17, 2000.... |
Limp Bizkit | Favorite Alternative Group | |
| 2001 American Music Awards of 2001 The 28th Annual American Music Awards were held on January 8, 2001.-Pop/Rock Category:-Soul/R&B Category:-Country Category:-Adult Contemporary Category:-Rap/Hip-Hop Category:-Alternative Category:-Latin Category:-Soundtrack Category:... |
Limp Bizkit | Favorite Alternative Group |
Grammy Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Grammy Awards of 2000 The 42nd Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2000. During the show, Santana won 8 Grammys, tying Michael Jackson's record for most awards won in a single night. Santana's album Supernatural was awarded a total of nine awards.... |
"Nookie" | Best Hard Rock Performance | |
| 2000 Grammy Awards of 2000 The 42nd Grammy Awards were held on February 23, 2000. During the show, Santana won 8 Grammys, tying Michael Jackson's record for most awards won in a single night. Santana's album Supernatural was awarded a total of nine awards.... |
Significant Other | Best Rock Album | |
| 2001 Grammy Awards of 2001 The 43rd Grammy Awards were held on February 21, 2001. Steely Dan was the biggest winner winning three awards including Album of the Year for Two Against Nature. U2 was also a big winner winning three awards as well; including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Beautiful Day. Dr... |
"Take a Look Around" | Best Hard Rock Performance |
MTV Video Music Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 1999 MTV Video Music Awards The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 9, 1999, honoring the best music videos from June 13, 1998, to June 11, 1999. The show was hosted by Chris Rock at Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.... |
"Nookie" | Best Group Video | |
| 1999 1999 MTV Video Music Awards The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 9, 1999, honoring the best music videos from June 13, 1998, to June 11, 1999. The show was hosted by Chris Rock at Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.... |
"Nookie" | Best Rock Video | |
| 2000 2000 MTV Video Music Awards The 2000 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 7, 2000, honoring the best music videos from June 12, 1999, to June 9, 2000. The show was hosted by Marlon and Shawn Wayans at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.... |
"N 2 Gether Now feat. method man" | Best Hip Hop Video | |
| 2000 2000 MTV Video Music Awards The 2000 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 7, 2000, honoring the best music videos from June 12, 1999, to June 9, 2000. The show was hosted by Marlon and Shawn Wayans at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.... |
"Break Stuff" | Best Rock Video | |
| 2001 2001 MTV Video Music Awards The 2001 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 6, 2001, honoring the best music videos from June 10, 2000, to June 8, 2001. The show was hosted by Jamie Foxx at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City... |
"Rollin'" | Best Rock Video | |
| 2001 2001 MTV Video Music Awards The 2001 MTV Video Music Awards aired live on September 6, 2001, honoring the best music videos from June 10, 2000, to June 8, 2001. The show was hosted by Jamie Foxx at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City... |
"My Way" | Viewer's Choice |
Other awards and nominations
| Year | Organization | Nominated work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Billboard Music Video Awards | "Nookie Nookie (song) "Nookie" is the first single released from the album Significant Other by Limp Bizkit. It was nominated for "Best Hard Rock Performance" at the 2000 Grammy Awards.... " |
Maximum Vision Award |
|
| 2000 | Blockbuster Awards | "Limp Bizkit (Band) | Favorite Group (Rock) | |
| 2000 | MuchMusic Awards | "Break Stuff" | Best International Video |
|
| 2000 | MuchMusic Video Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | People's Choice Favorite Int. Group | |
| 2000 | Billboard Music Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Best Rock Band | |
| 2000 | Orville J. Gibson Gibson Gibson may refer to:* Gibson Amphitheatre* Gibson Appliance* Gibson Girl* Gibson Guitar Corporation* Gibson * Gibson Generating Station-Places:In the United States:* Gibson, Arkansas* Gibson, Georgia* Gibson, Iowa* Gibson, Louisiana... Award |
Sam Rivers Sam Rivers (bassist) Sam Rivers is the bassist and one of the founding members of the band Limp Bizkit. He is the cousin of the band's drummer, John Otto.-Early life:... (Bassist) |
Best Bass Player | |
| 2001 | ECHO Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Best International Metal Band |
|
| 2001 | MTV Europe Music Awards MTV Europe Music Awards The MTV Europe Music Awards were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards is today a popular celebration of what MTV viewers consider... |
Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water | Best Album | |
| 2001 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Best Group | |
| 2001 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Best Rock Act | |
| 2001 | MTV Europe Music Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Web Award | |
| 2001 | Billboard Music Video Awards | "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) "Rollin' " is a song by the American nu metal band Limp Bizkit from their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. It was released as the second single along with "My Generation". The song spent three weeks at #1 in the United Kingdom, their only British chart-topper... " |
Best Hard Rock Clip of the Year | |
| 2001 | Blockbuster Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Best Group (Rock) |
|
| 2002 | Juno Awards | Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water | Best Selling Album | |
| 2002 | BRIT Awards Brit Awards The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust... |
Limp Bizkit (Band) | Best International Group | |
| 2003 | The K-Rock Awards | "Behind Blue Eyes Behind Blue Eyes "Behind Blue Eyes" is the title of a song by English rock band The Who. It was released in November 1971 as the second single from their fifth album Who's Next and was written by Pete Townshend originally for his Lifehouse project... " |
Best Cover of the Year | |
| 2009 | Kerrang! Awards | Limp Bizkit (Band) | Hall of Fame |
MTV's TRL
Further expanding upon the group's achievements and popularity, they were also the first group inducted into MTV's TRL
Total Request Live
Total Request Live is a television series on MTV that featured popular music videos. TRL was MTV's prime outlet for music videos as the network continues to concentrate on reality-based programming. In addition to music videos, TRL featured daily guests...
"Hall of Fame" on May 26, 2001.
The band accomplished this with five total videos making it into "retirement" status. The qualifications to make retirement status were to have fans vote a video onto the show for 65 consecutive days. The following videos have been retired:
- "Faith" (February 24, 1999)
- "NookieNookie (song)"Nookie" is the first single released from the album Significant Other by Limp Bizkit. It was nominated for "Best Hard Rock Performance" at the 2000 Grammy Awards....
" (August 26, 1999) - "N 2 Gether NowN 2 Gether Now"N 2 Gether Now" is a hip hop song by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit. It was released as the third single in their second album Significant Other. The single was released alongside their last single "Break Stuff."-Music:...
" (January 18, 2000) - "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)"Rollin' " is a song by the American nu metal band Limp Bizkit from their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. It was released as the second single along with "My Generation". The song spent three weeks at #1 in the United Kingdom, their only British chart-topper...
" (January 17, 2001) - "My WayMy Way (Limp Bizkit song)My Way is a song by Limp Bizkit, from their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. It was the fourth single released from the album.There were three versions of this single released, but only two were widely available...
" (May 10, 2001)