Limp Bizkit is an American nu metal band that emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994. Known for their energetic performances and a unique blend of rock, metal, and hip-hop influences, the band quickly captured the attention of music fans worldwide. The lineup consists of lead vocalist Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland, and turntablist DJ Lethal. Their distinctive sound, characterized by Durst's aggressive vocal delivery and Borland's innovative guitar work, helped define the nu metal genre in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The band was formed by Fred Durst and bassist Sam Rivers, who later recruited drummer John Otto. Guitarist Wes Borland joined the group shortly thereafter, solidifying the lineup that would achieve significant success in the years to come. Limp Bizkit gained traction in the local Jacksonville underground music scene, leading to a recording contract with Flip Records, which saw the release of their debut album, m=Three Dollar Bill, Y'all. The album garnered attention and laid the groundwork for their subsequent rise in popularity.
Limp Bizkit achieved mainstream success with their sophomore album, m=Significant Other, which featured hit singles like "Nookie," "Re-Arranged," and "Break Stuff." The album's commercial performance solidified their status in the music industry, as it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually sold over seven million copies in the United States alone. Their follow-up album, m=Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, further propelled the band into the spotlight, featuring iconic tracks such as "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" and "My Way."
However, success came with its share of controversies, particularly surrounding their performances at high-profile events like Woodstock '99, where the band's energetic set was marred by incidents of violence and chaos. Despite these challenges, Limp Bizkit continued to record and tour, releasing their fourth studio album, m=Results May Vary, after Borland temporarily left the band. In his absence, they worked with guitarist Mike Smith but saw mixed reviews for the album.
In 2005, Borland returned to the fold, contributing to the EP The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) before the band entered a hiatus. They reunited in 2009, with Borland back on guitar, and began touring again, culminating in the release of m=Gold Cobra. The band signed with Cash Money Records after leaving Interscope, and DJ Lethal briefly departed but returned in 2018.
After years of anticipation, Limp Bizkit released their sixth studio album, m=Still Sucks, on October 31. This album marked a significant return for the band, showcasing their evolution while maintaining the sound that had originally captured the hearts of fans. Over the years, Limp Bizkit has released 26 singles, with notable tracks like "Take a Look Around," "Eat You Alive," and their cover of The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" charting within the top 20 of the US Alternative Airplay Chart. With over 40 million records sold worldwide and multiple Grammy nominations, Limp Bizkit remains a prominent figure in the rock and nu metal scene, continuing to influence new generations of musicians.