My mom had to beg the guys to let me play. I couldn’t even play the drums right – Brian had to show me.

Meaning of the quote

When Dennis Wilson first started playing the drums, he wasn't very good at it. He had to have his friend Brian show him how to play the drums properly. Even though he wasn't great at it right away, his mom had to convince the other musicians to let him join their group and play with them.

About Dennis Wilson

Dennis Wilson was a founding member of the iconic band The Beach Boys, known for his drumming, baritone vocals, and songwriting contributions. Despite his personal struggles, he left a lasting impact on the band’s music and embodied the “California Myth” that their early songs celebrated.

More about the author

More quotes from Dennis Wilson

My dad was a tyrant. He used to physically beat the crap out of us.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

I can tell you the day The Beach Boys will no longer exist – never. We’ll be on stage in wheelchairs.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

There will always be a Beach Boys. Being a Beach Boy is like being in love.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

The one thing that kept our family together was the music. The only thing that our family would share emotionally was to have our dad cry over something the kids did with music.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

He just had a very unique way of expressing himself physically with his kids.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

Brian was the oldest, I was in the middle and Carl was the baby. I was the troublemaker. Brian got great grades and Carl got the kind of grades I did. I failed everything. I was too busy fighting and running wild.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

I made a dollar a day sweeping a laundry out. Then we made a record that was number two in Los Angeles. We got so excited hearing it on the radio that Carl threw up.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

The thing I wonder about is where does Brian’s creative spark come from? Not his subjects or anything, but his spark. What makes it so great for me is that I really don’t know. There’s a mystery behind Brian, even to me.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

The Beach Boys are not a superstar group. The music is the superstar of the group.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

My mom had to beg the guys to let me play. I couldn’t even play the drums right – Brian had to show me.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

All I need is a big surfboard and a piano.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)

They say I live a fast life. Maybe I just like a fast life. I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. It won’t last forever, either. But the memories will.

Dennis Wilson

American musician (1944-1983)