In a day filled with significant music news, the industry mourns the loss of a foundational artist, celebrates the enduring legacy of a heavy metal icon, and looks toward the future with technological advancements. Monday, October 20, 2025, has seen the passing of Limp Bizkit co-founder Sam Rivers, a significant boost for the campaign to rename Birmingham Airport after Ozzy Osbourne, and major developments in Spotify’s integration of AI for artists.
Limp Bizkit Mourns Founding Bassist Sam Rivers
Limp Bizkit has announced the heartbreaking news of the passing of their co-founder and bassist, Sam Rivers, at the age of 48. The band shared their grief on social media, remembering Rivers as the “heartbeat” of the group and a source of “pure magic”. His talent, presence, and enormous heart were celebrated by his bandmates, including Fred Durst, Wes Borland, John Otto, and DJ Lethal, who collectively stated, “From the first note we ever played together, Sam brought a light and a rhythm that could never be replaced”. Rivers, a founding member who helped shape the band’s nu-metal sound, had previously battled liver disease due to excessive drinking, undergoing a liver transplant and later reuniting with the band. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed.
Campaign to Rename Birmingham Airport After Ozzy Osbourne Gains Major Traction
The movement to rename Birmingham Airport in honor of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne has received a substantial endorsement from his wife, Sharon Osbourne. The petition, launched following Osbourne’s passing in July, has garnered over 70,000 signatures, advocating for the airport to be known as Ozzy Osbourne International. Sharon Osbourne expressed her support, calling the prospect “amazing” and noting that “sometimes dreams come true”. Comedian and broadcaster Dan Hudson, who initiated the petition, highlighted Birmingham’s status as the birthplace of heavy metal and drew parallels to airports named after John Lennon in Liverpool and George Best in Belfast. Birmingham Airport has acknowledged the campaign, stating they are “currently progressing an exciting homage” to Osbourne and remain “committed to honouring his legacy”. The city has also seen other tributes, including a massive pumpkin mural depicting Ozzy, which the Osbourne family recently visited.
Spotify Deepens AI Integration with Artist-Centric Approach
In a move signaling a significant shift in how streaming platforms engage with artificial intelligence, Spotify has announced a new collaboration with major music labels, including Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. This partnership aims to develop generative AI music products with an “artist-first” philosophy, prioritizing consent, transparency, and fair compensation. Spotify emphasized that AI technology will be used to enhance features connecting fans and artists, such as its AI DJ and personalized playlists, rather than to replace human creativity. The platform is also strengthening its AI policies, introducing new measures to protect against impersonation, clarify AI’s role in music creation through industry standards like DDEX, and ensure artists have control over how their music is used in AI applications. This initiative seeks to build a more trustworthy music ecosystem by respecting creators’ rights and fostering responsible AI innovation.
Other Music News Highlights
Elsewhere in the music world, a global search has been launched by Gibson for Marty McFly’s iconic cherry red ES-345 guitar from “Back to the Future,” with stars like Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd appealing for public assistance. The guitar has been missing for decades, and Gibson is producing a documentary about the search. Meanwhile, former Pixies bassist Paz Lenchantin finds herself in a complex situation, having previously announced her departure to focus on her own projects, though recent reports suggest her exit might have been unexpected. She has also faced plagiarism accusations for a song from her new solo album. Additionally, Geddy Lee has been exploring new musical avenues, having recently released previously unreleased solo tracks and expressed interest in collaborating with former Rush bandmate Alex Lifeson. Finally, in a grim update from the justice system, Hashem Abedi, who was convicted for his role in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault related to an attack on prison officials in April 2025. The incident involved hot oil and makeshift weapons, resulting in serious injuries to three prison officers. The trial for these new charges is slated for January 2027.
