How did Dennis Wilson die? The tumultuous life and times of the Beach Boys' drummer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Beach Boys', directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, is a highly anticipated documentary set to premiere on Disney+ on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Through archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, the documentary will offer fans a unique perspective on the band's musical evolution.
The Beach Boys was founded by the Wilson brothers - Brian, Dennis, and Carl - along with their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.
Dennis Wilson was not only famous as a drummer but also for his contributions as a singer and songwriter for The Beach Boys.
Let's discuss Dennis Wilson's journey and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Who was Dennis Wilson?
Dennis Wilson was born on December 4, 1944, in Inglewood, California, United States. He was the middle brother of Brian and Carl Wilson.
His musical journey was marked by his involvement with 'The Beach Boys', where he started as the drummer and eventually contributed as a singer and songwriter.
His drumming style was influential, known for its energetic and innovative approach that helped shape the band's sound.
His first notable composition, 'Little Bird', emerged as the B-side of the 'Friends' single in April 1968. This track, along with 'Be Still', was a collaborative effort with poet Stephen Kalinich and appeared on the album 'Friends', released in June 1968.
Inside the complicated life of Dennis Wilson
Outside of music, Dennis had a tumultuous personal life. He struggled with substance abuse and had a reputation for living a wild lifestyle, often indulging in risky behavior.
His struggles with substance abuse, particularly alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, began to take a toll on his relationships and his ability to function within 'The Beach Boys'. His bandmates, including his brothers, witnessed firsthand the destructive effects of his addiction.
His addiction became so severe that his bandmates, including his brothers Brian and Carl, issued him an ultimatum: either he cleaned up his act or risked being ousted from the group, as reported by the Rolling Stone.
Despite the band's efforts to support him, Dennis was deeply entrenched in addiction, making it challenging for him to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.
Dennis had several marriages throughout his life. His first marriage was with Carol Freedman, and they had a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Scott. He was married to Carol from 1965 to 1967.
His second marriage was to Barbara Charren, and they had two sons, Michael and Carl. They were married from 1970 to 1974.
His third marriage was to Karen Lamm, which lasted from 1976 to 1977 and then again from 1978 to 1980. His last marriage was to Shawn Marie Love in 1983, and they had a son named Gage.
He was in a relationship with Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie for almost three years, as reported by PEOPLE.
What circumstances led to Dennis Wilson's death?
In 1983, Dennis checked into rehab to address his struggles with drug addiction. This decision came after years of substance abuse, which had taken a toll on his health and relationships.
Despite his efforts to seek treatment, Dennis faced ongoing challenges in overcoming his addiction. After checking out of rehab in December 1983, he started drinking again, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Three days after leaving rehab on December 28, 1983, Dennis drowned in the cold waters of Marina Del Rey, California, after spending a day on a friend's boat. Reports indicated that his blood alcohol level was .26 at the time of his death, as reported by Rolling Stone.
'The Beach Boys' drummer died at the age of just 39.
How to stream 'The Beach Boys'?
'The Beach Boys' will be available to stream on Disney+ from Friday, May 24, 2024.
Don't have a Disney+ Subscription? Worry not!
Disney+ offers a basic package starting at $7.99 per month, featuring advertisements. For an ad-free experience, viewers can opt for the premium plan priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.
'The Beach Boys' trailer