The Smiley Smile Message Board

Dennis Wilson played Camco and Rogers drums in the 60s, I believe Zickos in the 70s and some other brand prior to his death, maybe Tama or Pearl I don't know; can someone please give me some input on the details, like what color were the drums that he played, what endorsements did he have etc?
-Josh

I have it on reasonably good authority, that Dennis used Yamaha drums during the latter part of his career - probably a 'Recording Custom' set - but I can't vouch for that. However, an interview on the Mike Kowalski website provides some support for this: http://www.bigbeatman.com/
I don't know if it's of any interest or not, but I've been told that during soundchecks, Dennis was consistent and easy to deal with. And so regardless of his drumming ablity/lifestyle, he was relatively a good pro.
I think also that Promark(?) did a limited edition of Dennis Wilson sticks.

I like the story from Billy H that Dennis was the loudest drummer he ever heard and he got that by holding the sticks the wrong way. 8)

I just posted this in the "instruments" thread, but i have a friend who has "the first set of touring drums with the cases and the airline tags from the first BB tour still attached. They are Rogers, champagne in color, signed by the BBs, complete with the red stool that Manson sat on."

That's interesting....are the tags dated?  I ask because I don't think they are the very 'first' set.   The kit Dennis used when David was in the band  is owned by Ron Swallow and is currently on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Dennis' first kit was also champagne but the snare did not match the other champagne pieces...it was chrome.  Check out the photo of Dennis (the first known shot of him playing drums) in the Lost Beach Boy...the photo is cropped and B&W but the original shot is color and its the same kit, with its chrome snare, thats in the Hall of Fame.

First set of drums (early 60s) with a seat  >:D Manson >:D sat on (late 60s) with a lot of touring in between. Something doesn't match to me. But not saying it isn't possible.