Editing Brian Wilson (section)

===''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>