The shocking intersection of California surf culture and one of America's most notorious killers comes to light in our exploration of Dennis Wilson's dangerous dance with Charles Manson. What began as a chance encounter with two young hitchhikers in 1968 evolved into a bizarre living arrangement that would haunt the Beach Boys drummer until his tragic death.
When free-spirited Dennis welcomed Manson and his "family" into his Pacific Palisades mansion, he couldn't have imagined the consequences. The Beach Boys drummer found himself hosting a non-stop party of spiritual discussions, LSD-fueled orgies, and late-night jam sessions – all while Manson methodically positioned himself to break into the music industry. Meanwhile, Manson's followers were bleeding Wilson dry, wrecking his cars, running up astronomical bills, and gradually taking control of his home.
Dennis genuinely believed in Manson's musical potential, arranging professional recording sessions and even convincing the Beach Boys to record Manson's song "Cease to Exist" (released as "Never Learn Not to Love"). But when Wilson took sole songwriting credit and altered the lyrics, he ignited Manson's rage. Their relationship deteriorated to the point where Wilson abandoned his own home to escape, and Manson responded by sending a bullet with a chilling threat.
The most devastating aspect of this story is how close Wilson came to the violence that would eventually shock the nation. Patricia Krenwinkel, one of the hitchhikers he initially picked up, later participated in the brutal Tate-LaBianca murders. Wilson never publicly discussed his association with Manson, reportedly carrying the guilt until his drowning death in 1983 at just 39 years old.
Join us for this captivating exploration of how one of America's beloved musical icons narrowly escaped becoming another victim of Manson's madness, leaving us with his father's haunting advice: "Be careful who you choose as your friends."

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