Editing Brian Wilson (section)

==1992–2019: Career resurgence and touring==

===Lawsuits, documentary, and collaborative albums===
Throughout the 1990s, Wilson was embroiled in numerous lawsuits.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=375}} In August 1989, he had filed a $100 million suit against Irving Music to reclaim song publishing rights sold by his father decades earlier.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=374}} He did not regain the rights, but secured a $10 million out-of-court settlement in April 1992.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=375}} The next month, Wilson was [[Love v. Wilson|sued by Mike Love]] over long-neglected royalties and songwriting credits. In December 1994, a jury ruled in favor of Love, awarding him $5 million and a share of future royalties from Wilson.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=270}} In September 1995, Wilson sued his former conservator, Jerome Billet, seeking $10 million for alleged failures in supervising the lawyers handling the Irving Music and Love lawsuits.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sandler |first1=Adam |title=Beach Boy Wilson sues former conservator |url=https://variety.com/1995/film/features/beach-boy-wilson-sues-former-conservator-99129088/ |website=Variety |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=September 25, 1995}}</ref> According to his second wife [[Melinda Ledbetter|Melinda]], when they married in 1995, Wilson was entangled in nine separate lawsuits, many unresolved until the early 2000s.<ref name="LK2004">{{cite web |author1=n.a. |title=Larry King Live |url=http://www.brianwilson.com/media/words/larry_king.html |website=brianwilson.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080711152541/http://www.brianwilson.com/media/words/larry_king.html |archive-date=July 11, 2008 |date=August 20, 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Wilson's productivity had increased significantly after his disassociation from Landy.{{sfn|Granata|2003|p=215}} He and Andy Paley composed and recorded a [[Andy Paley sessions|substantial body of material]] intended for a proposed Beach Boys album throughout the early to mid-1990s.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=274, 281}} Concurrently, Wilson collaborated with musician [[Don Was]] on the documentary ''[[Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times]]'' (1995), whose soundtrack—comprising rerecorded Beach Boys songs—was released in August as [[I Just Wasn't Made for These Times (album)|his second solo album]].{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=282}}{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=376}}

In 1993, Wilson agreed to record an album of songs by Van Dyke Parks,{{sfn|Granata|2003|p=216}} which was credited to the duo and released as ''[[Orange Crate Art]]'' in October 1995.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=376}}{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=282–283}} In the late 1990s, Wilson and Tony Asher rekindled their writing partnership,{{sfn|Lambert|2007|p=324}} and one of their songs, "Everything I Need", appeared on ''[[The Wilsons (album)|The Wilsons]]'' (1997)—a project by his daughters Carnie and Wendy that included select contributions from Wilson.{{sfn|Lambert|2007|p=324}}

===''Imagination'' and first solo tours===

[[File:Joe Thomas Headshot.jpg|thumb|upright|left|At his wife's behest, Wilson worked on [[adult contemporary music]] projects with former wrestler [[Joe Thomas (producer)|Joe Thomas]] (pictured 2017)<ref name="Lester98"/>]]
Although some recordings with the Beach Boys were completed, the Wilson–Paley project was eventually abandoned.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=284}} Instead, Wilson co-produced the band's 1996 album ''[[Stars and Stripes Vol. 1]]'' with [[Joe Thomas (producer)|Joe Thomas]], owner of [[River North Records]].{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=285, 291}} In 1997, Wilson relocated to [[St. Charles, Illinois]], to work on a solo project with Thomas.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=291}} His third solo album, ''[[Imagination (Brian Wilson album)|Imagination]]'' (June 1998)—which he described as "really a Brian Wilson/Joe Thomas album"—peaked at number 88 in the U.S. and received criticism for its homogenized radio pop sound.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=292–293}} Shortly before the album's release, Wilson lost his brother Carl and their mother Audree.{{sfn|Stebbins|2000|p=233}}

Some reports from this period suggested that Wilson was exploited by those close to him, including Melinda.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=293}} His daughter Carnie nicknamed Ledbetter "Melandy",<ref name="Lester98">{{cite magazine |last1=Lester |first1=Paul |author-link1=Paul Lester |title=Brain Wilson: Endless Bummer |url=https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/brain-wilson-endless-bummer |magazine=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] |date=June 1998 |url-access=subscription}}</ref>  while family friend Ginger Blake described Wilson as "complacent and basically surrendered".<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Neville, Morgan (Director)|date=1999|title=Brian Wilson: A Beach Boy's Tale|time=1:28:34|medium=Video}}</ref> Mike Love stated his willingness to reunite the Beach Boys with Wilson but remarked that "Brian usually has someone in his life who tells him what to do. And now that person kinda wants to keep him away from us. I don't know why. You'd have to ask her, I guess."{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=293}} When asked if he still considered himself a Beach Boy, Wilson responded, "No. Maybe a little bit."{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=293}} Debate persisted among fans over whether Wilson fully consented to his semi-regular touring schedule through the 2010s.{{sfn|Stebbins|2011|p={{page needed|date=July 2020}}}}{{refn|group=nb|Jeff Foskett rebutted such claims in a 2011 interview.<ref name="AstonishingGenius2011"/> Although Wilson often stated that he enjoyed live performances, Jon Stebbins argued in his 2011 biography that his handlers, managers, and wife compelled him to work. Stebbins cited an interview in which, after Wilson admitted disliking touring, his handler promptly reminded him that he loved performing.{{sfn|Stebbins|2011|p={{pages needed|date=July 2020}}}} }}

From March to July 1999, Wilson embarked on his first solo tour, playing about a dozen dates in the U.S. and Japan.{{sfn|Badman|2004|pp=376, 379}} His supporting band included former Beach Boys touring musician Jeff Foskett (guitar), [[Wondermints]] members [[Darian Sahanaja]] (keyboards), Nick Walusko (guitar), Mike D'Amico (percussion, drums), and Probyn Gregory (guitar, horns); along with Chicago-based session musicians Scott Bennett (various), Paul Mertens (woodwinds), Bob Lizik (bass), Todd Sucherman (drums), and Taylor Mills (backing vocals).{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=275}}{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=294–295}} He toured the U.S. again in October.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=379}} In 2000, he stated, "I feel much more comfortable on stage now. I have a good band behind me. It's a much better band than the Beach Boys were."{{sfn|Granata|2003|p=229}}

In August 1999, Wilson filed suit against Thomas, seeking damages and a declaration that he could work on his next album without Thomas's involvement.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Bad Vibrations: Brian Wilson Sues Collaborator|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bad-vibrations-brian-wilson-sues-collaborator-19990824|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=August 24, 1999}}</ref> Thomas counter-sued, alleging that Wilson's wife had "schemed against and manipulated" him and Wilson; the case was settled out of court.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Brian Wilson Settles Suit With Former Partner|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/brian-wilson-settles-suit-with-former-partner-20000718|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=July 18, 2000}}</ref>

===Live albums and ''Brian Wilson Presents Smile''===

Early in 2000, Wilson released his first live album, ''[[Live at the Roxy Theatre]]''.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=377}} Later that year, he embarked on U.S. tour dates featuring the first full live performances of ''Pet Sounds'', with Wilson backed by a 55-piece orchestra. Van Dyke Parks was commissioned to write an [[overture]] arrangement of Wilson's songs.{{sfn|Granata|2003|p=230}} Although critics praised the tour, it was poorly attended and resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=377}} In March 2001, Wilson attended a [[An All-Star Tribute to Brian Wilson|tribute show held in his honor]] at [[Radio City Music Hall]] in New York, where he performed "Heroes and Villains" publicly for the first time in decades.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=301}}{{sfn|Priore|2005|p=125}}

The ''Pet Sounds'' tour was followed by one in Europe in 2002, with a sold-out four-night residency at the [[Royal Festival Hall]] in London.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=298}} Recordings from these concerts were issued as the live album ''[[Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds Live]]'' (June 2002).{{sfn|Granata|2003|p=233}} Over the next year, Wilson continued sporadic recording sessions for his fourth solo album, ''[[Gettin' In over My Head]]''.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=276}} Released in June 2004, the record featured guest appearances from Parks, Paul McCartney, [[Eric Clapton]], and [[Elton John]].{{sfn|Badman|2004|p=378}} Some of the songs were leftovers from Wilson's collaborations with Paley and Thomas.{{sfn|Wilson|Greenman|2016|p=205}}

[[File:WilsonParksSmilePremiere.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|alt=|''[[Brian Wilson Presents Smile]]'' at the [[Royal Festival Hall]] in [[London]] on February 21, 2004]]

To the surprise of his associates, Wilson agreed to follow the ''Pet Sounds'' tours with concert dates featuring songs from the unfinished ''Smile'' album.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=301, 303}} Sahanaja assisted with sequencing and Parks contributed additional lyrics.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|pp=304–305}} ''[[Brian Wilson Presents Smile]]'' (''BWPS'') premiered at the Royal Festival Hall in [[London]] in February 2004{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=309}} and its positive reception led to a subsequent studio album adaptation.{{sfn|Priore|2005|pp=176–178}} Released in September, ''BWPS'' debuted at number 13 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], the highest chart position for any album by the Beach Boys or Wilson since 1976's ''15 Big Ones''{{sfn|Priore|2005|p=176}} and the highest ever debut for a Beach Boys-related album.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=262}} It was later certified platinum.{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=311}}

In support of ''BWPS'', Wilson embarked on a tour covering the U.S., Europe, and Japan.{{sfn|Priore|2005|p=178}} Sahanaja told ''Australian Musician'', "In six years of touring this is the happiest we've ever seen Brian".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Phillips|first1=Greg|title=Smile – It's Vindication Day!|url=https://www.rocksbackpages.com/Library/Article/smile--its-vindication-day|magazine=Australian Musician|date=March 2005|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In July 2005, Wilson performed at the [[Live 8 concert, Berlin|Live 8 in Berlin]], an event watched by about three million viewers on television.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=283}} In September, he organized a charity drive for [[Hurricane Katrina]] victims, raising over $250,000.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-09-24-brian-wilson-website_x.htm|title=Donate to hurricane relief and Brian Wilson will say hi|work=USA Today|date=September 24, 2005|access-date=September 14, 2011}}</ref> In November, Mike Love filed a lawsuit alleging that Wilson misappropriated his songs, likeness, the Beach Boys trademark, and the ''Smile'' album in connection with ''BWPS''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/60785/mike-love-sues-brian-wilson-over-smile|title=Mike Love Sues Brian Wilson Over 'Smile'|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=November 5, 2005|access-date=March 30, 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|Carlin|2006|p=316}} The suit was dismissed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wcbsfm.cbslocal.com/2012/10/04/is-beach-boy-mike-love-musics-biggest-villain/|title=Is Beach Boy Mike Love Music's Biggest Villain?|publisher=WCBSFM|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=March 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402103730/http://wcbsfm.cbslocal.com/2012/10/04/is-beach-boy-mike-love-musics-biggest-villain/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Covers albums, ''That Lucky Old Sun'', and Beach Boys reunion===
In October 2005, [[Arista Records]] released Wilson's album ''[[What I Really Want for Christmas]]'', featuring two new originals by Wilson.{{sfn|Lambert|2007|p=328}} To celebrate the 40th anniversary of ''[[Pet Sounds]]'', he toured the album briefly in November 2006 with Al Jardine.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2006/09/two_beach_boys_.html|work=USA Today|title=Two Beach Boys to reunite – Listen Up|date=September 24, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220033634/http://blogs.usatoday.com/listenup/2006/09/two_beach_boys_.html|archive-date=December 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/arts/music/23wils.html|title=Wouldn't It Be Nice Not to Fuss Over Significance or Perfection?|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 23, 2006|access-date=March 30, 2015}}</ref> In 2007, the [[Southbank Centre]] in London commissioned Wilson to create a new [[song cycle]] in the style of ''Smile''. Collaborating with Scott Bennett, Wilson reconfigured a collection of recently written songs into ''[[That Lucky Old Sun (album)|That Lucky Old Sun]]'', a semi-autobiographical conceptual piece about California.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|pp=294–295}} A studio-recorded version of the work was released as his seventh solo album in September 2008 and received generally favorable reviews.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|pp=297–298}}{{refn|group=nb|Around this time, Wilson announced he was developing a new concept album titled ''Pleasure Island: A Rock Fantasy''. He explained that the project centers on a group of men who discover a place called Pleasure Island, where they encounter various women and attractions. Although the concept was not yet fully developed, he expressed optimism about its potential, suggesting it might become his finest work.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jones|first1=Dylan|title=The Biographical Dictionary of Popular Music: From Adele to Ziggy, the Real A to Z of Rock and Pop|date=2012|publisher=Picador |isbn=978-1-25003-188-4}}</ref>}}

In 2009, Wilson was approached by [[Walt Disney Records]] to record a Disney songs album, agreeing only if he could also record an album of [[George Gershwin]] songs.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=289}} The Gershwin project, ''[[Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin]]'', was released in August 2010, reaching number 26 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and topping its Jazz Albums chart. Wilson then toured, performing the album in its entirety.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|pp=289, 291–292}} In October 2011, he released ''[[In the Key of Disney]]'', which peaked at number 83 in the U.S. This release was soon overshadowed by ''[[The Smile Sessions]]'', issued one week later.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=293}}

[[File:Brian Wilson and Bass 2012 framed by Mike Love (rotated).jpg|right|thumb|upright|Wilson performing with the Beach Boys during [[The 50th Reunion Tour|their brief 2012 reunion]]]]

In mid-2011, he reunited with Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, and Bruce Johnston to re-record "[[Do It Again (The Beach Boys song)|Do It Again]]" in secret for a potential 50th anniversary album.{{sfn|Dillon|2012|p=294}} Rumors soon circulated in the music press about a world tour by the group. In a September report, Wilson said he was not participating in the tour with his bandmates, remarking, "I don't really like working with the guys, but it all depends on how we feel and how much money's involved. Money's not the only reason I made records, but it does hold a place in our lives."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Michaels |first1=Sean |title=Brian Wilson rules out reunion with the Beach Boys |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/sep/29/brian-wilson-beach-boys |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=September 28, 2011}}</ref>

Ultimately, Wilson agreed to the tour—which lasted until September 2012—and to record the album ''[[That's Why God Made the Radio]]'', released in June 2012.{{sfn|Matijas-Mecca|2017|pp=xv, 160}} By that time, Wilson had renewed his creative partnership with Joe Thomas. Although Wilson was listed as the album's producer, Thomas was credited with "recording" and Love with "executive producer".{{sfn|Matijas-Mecca|2017|p=160}}
=== ''No Pier Pressure'' and ''Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour'' ===

In June 2013, Wilson's website announced that he was recording and self-producing new material with Don Was, Al Jardine, David Marks, [[Blondie Chaplin]], and [[Jeff Beck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brianwilson.com/news/2013/6/6/brian-wilson-returns-to-capitol-music-group-currently-recording-and-self-producing-his-11th-solo-studio-album|title=Brian Wilson Returns to Capitol Music Group; Currently Recording and Self-Producing New Solo Studio Album|website=BrianWilson.com|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2014|archive-date=June 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609144416/http://www.brianwilson.com/news/2013/6/6/brian-wilson-returns-to-capitol-music-group-currently-recording-and-self-producing-his-11th-solo-studio-album|url-status=dead}}</ref> It stated that the material might be split into three albums: one of new pop songs, another of mostly instrumental tracks with Beck, and another of interwoven tracks dubbed "the suite" which initially began form as the closing four tracks of ''That's Why God Made the Radio''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rolling Stone: Brian Wilson Rocks With Jeff Beck, Plans New LPs|url=http://www.brianwilson.com/news/2013/6/20/brian-wilson-rocks-with-jeff-beck-plans-new-lps|website=BrianWilson.com|access-date=August 8, 2013|date=June 20, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729141434/https://www.brianwilson.com/news/2013/6/20/brian-wilson-rocks-with-jeff-beck-plans-new-lps|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2014, Wilson declared in an interview that the Beck collaborations would not be released.<ref name="Somethingelse">{{cite web|url=http://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/01/28/it-stopped-working-for-the-beach-boys-brian-wilson-its-about-new-music-not-meditation/|title='It stopped working': For the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, it's about new music not meditation|website=Something Else!|date=January 28, 2014|access-date=May 23, 2014}}</ref><ref name="DesertSun">{{cite news|last1=Fessier|first1=Bruce|title=Beach Boys' Brian Wilson talks Robin Williams|url=http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2014/08/27/beach-boys-brian-wilson/14716185/|access-date=August 28, 2014|agency=The Desert Sun|date=August 28, 2014}}</ref>

In September 2014, Wilson attended the premiere of [[Bill Pohlad]]'s  biopic ''[[Love & Mercy (film)|Love & Mercy]]'' at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref name=biff>{{cite web|last1=Burns|first1=Andy|title=TIFF 2014: Love And Mercy Reviewed|url=http://biffbampop.com/2014/09/08/tiff-2014-love-and-mercy-reviewed/|publisher=Biff Bam Pop!|access-date=September 8, 2014|date=September 8, 2014}}</ref> He had contributed "[[One Kind of Love]]" to the film, which later received a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe]] nomination for [[Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song|Best Original Song]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Merry|first1=Stephanie|last2=Yahr|first2=Emily|title=Golden Globes nominations 2016: Complete list|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2015/12/10/golden-globes-nominations-2016-complete-coverage/|access-date=December 10, 2015|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> In October, [[BBC]] released a re-recorded version of "[[God Only Knows]]" —featuring Wilson, [[Brian May]], [[Elton John]], [[Jake Bugg]], [[Stevie Wonder]], [[Lorde]], and others—to commemorate the launch of [[BBC Music]].<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC unveil all-star version of God Only Knows, 17 years after Perfect Day|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/07/bbc-god-only-knows-pharrell-stevie-wonder-chris-martin-lorde|last=Hann|first=Michael|work=The Guardian|date=October 7, 2014}}</ref> A week later, he was featured as a guest vocalist on [[Emile Haynie]]'s single "[[We Fall|Falling Apart]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Emile Haynie ft. Andrew Wyatt and Brian Wilson - "Falling Apart"|website=Pigeons & Planes|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2014/10/emile-haynie-ft-andrew-wyatt-and-brian-wilson-falling-apart/|date=October 13, 2014}}</ref> His cover of Paul McCartney's "[[Tug of War (Paul McCartney album)|Wanderlust]]" was included on the tribute album ''[[The Art of McCartney]]'' in November.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/10/01/brian-wilson-wanderlust/|title=Brian Wilson, "Wanderlust": Something Else! sneak peek|website=Somethingelsereviews.com|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref>

Released in April 2015, ''[[No Pier Pressure]]'' marked another collaboration between Wilson and Joe Thomas, featuring guest appearances from Jardine, Marks, Chaplin, and others.{{sfn|Matijas-Mecca|2017|pp=164–166}} Fans had reacted negatively to the announcement that Wilson would be recording a duets album, prompting a Facebook post—attributed to Wilson—that said, "In my life in music, I've been told too many times not to fuck with the formula, but as an artist it's my job to do that."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Michaels|first1=Sean|title=Brian Wilson fans furious at Frank Ocean and Lana Del Rey collaborations|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/12/brian-wilson-new-album-frank-ocean-lana-del-rey|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=June 12, 2014}}</ref> The album reached the U.S. top 30, but critical reaction was mixed due to its adult contemporary arrangements and extensive use of [[autotune]].{{sfn|Matijas-Mecca|2017|p=164}} Later that year, Sahanaja was asked if Wilson was reaching the end of his career as a performing artist, responding, "I gotta be honest. Each of the past five years I thought to myself, 'Well, this is probably going to be it.'"<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Greene|first1=Andy|title=Meet Brian Wilson's Secret Weapon: Darian Sahanaja|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=June 30, 2015|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/meet-brian-wilsons-secret-weapon-darian-sahanaja-20150630}}</ref>

[[File:Brian Wilson 20160328 185747 Byron Bay (26182663245).jpg|thumb|left|alt=Wilson's large band onstage in front of an LED screen showing photos from the Pet Sounds era|Wilson performing ''Pet Sounds'' at [[Byron Bay Bluesfest]], 2016]]

In March 2016, Wilson and Al Jardine began the [[Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour]], billed as his final performances of the album.{{sfn|Matijas-Mecca|2017|pp=169–170}} In October, his second memoir, ''[[I Am Brian Wilson]]'', written by journalist [[Ben Greenman]] after several months of interviews, was published.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bhattacharya|first1=Sanjiv|title=Brian Wilson: What I've Learned|url=http://www.esquire.co.uk/culture/interviews/a10139/brian-wilson-beach-boys-what-ive-learned/|website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|date=June 15, 2016}}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|That same month, Wilson announced a new album, ''Sensitive Music for Sensitive People'', comprising originals and [[rock and roll]] cover songs.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Slate|first1=Jeff|title=How Brian Wilson Found Inspiration in the Artists Working Beside Him |url=http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/q-and-a/a49469/brian-wilson-memoir-i-am-brian-wilson-interview/|magazine=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]|date=October 11, 2016}}</ref> He said the name as a "working title" and that recording would begin in December.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|title=Brian Wilson Talks Mental Illness, Drugs and Life After Beach Boys|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=October 11, 2016 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/brian-wilson-talks-mental-illness-drugs-and-beach-boys-w443076}}</ref>}} Asked about negative remarks in Wilson's book, Love refuted that his printed statements were spoken and argued that Wilson was "not in charge of his life, like I am mine", adding that he preferred to avoid pressuring Wilson "because I know he has a lot of issues."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fessier|first1=Bruce|title=Beach Boys seek to overcome discord with new wave of Love|url=http://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2016/11/16/beach-boys-seek-overcome-discord-new-wave-love/93977562/|work=[[The Desert Sun]]|date=November 17, 2016}}</ref> In the late 2010s, Wilson remarked to a journalist that he had not "had a friend to talk to in three years."<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Brian Wilson's Survival Story Told in New Documentary 'Long Promised Road' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/movies/9587909/brian-wilson-documentary-long-promised-road/ |magazine=Billboard |date=June 16, 2021}}</ref>

In a 2016 ''Rolling Stone'' interview, Wilson responded to a retirement question by stating he would rather continue touring than sit idle.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Grow |first1=Kory |title=Brian Wilson Talks Mental Illness, Drugs and Life After Beach Boys |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/brian-wilson-talks-mental-illness-drugs-and-life-after-beach-boys-103541/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=July 2, 2019 |date=October 11, 2016}}</ref> In 2019, Wilson embarked on a co-headlining tour with [[the Zombies]], performing selections from ''Friends'' and ''Surf's Up''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/beach-boys-brian-wilson-zombies-tour-2019/|title=Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, The Zombies Announce 'Something Great From '68' Co-Headlining Tour|date=May 7, 2019|website=Liveforlivemusic.com|access-date=August 8, 2019}}</ref>