Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson says he hates listening to rap music because it brings him down.

The 66-year-old, who has battled metal illness for decades after years of drug abuse, says that he prefers to listen to happy songs to keep his mood high.

Asked if he had a favourite rap tune, Wilson said: "I don't have one. I don't need to listen to music that brings me down with negative thoughts.

“I prefer to listen to music that makes me happy, like my new album That Lucky Old Sun which was inspired by Mr. Louis Armstrong."

Elsewhere in the interview, Wilson also confirmed that he still suffers from stage fright, saying: "I still get it, yeah. I'm nervous as hell before each show and I hate that feeling. I love performing but I don't like feeling scared. It's a crummy feeling."

(by Scott Colothan)