section_path: 1992–2011: Career resurgence and first solo tours/Imagination and formation of the Brian Wilson Band
section_name: Imagination and formation of the Brian Wilson Band
paragraph_text: Imagination and formation of the Brian Wilson Band
  
  Although some recordings with the Beach Boys were completed, the Wilson–Paley project was eventually abandoned. Instead, Wilson co-produced the band's 1996 album Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 with Joe Thomas, owner of River North Records. In 1997, Wilson relocated to St. Charles, Illinois, to work on a solo project with Thomas. His third solo 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. Shortly before the album's release, Wilson lost his brother Carl and their mother Audree.
  
  Some reports from this period suggested that Wilson was exploited by those close to him, including Melinda. His daughter Carnie nicknamed Ledbetter "Melandy", while family friend Ginger Blake described Wilson as "complacent and basically surrendered". 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." When asked if he still considered himself a Beach Boy, Wilson responded, "No. Maybe a little bit." Debate persisted among fans over whether Wilson fully consented to his semi-regular touring schedule through the 2010s.
  
  From March to July 1999, Wilson embarked on his first solo tour, playing about a dozen dates in the U.S. and Japan. 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). He toured the U.S. again in October. 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."
  
  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. Thomas counter-sued, alleging that Wilson's wife had "schemed against and manipulated" him and Wilson; the case was settled out of court.
  
  Although some recordings with the Beach Boys were completed, the Wilson–Paley project was eventually abandoned. Instead, Wilson co-produced the band's 1996 album Stars and Stripes Vol. 1 with Joe Thomas, owner of River North Records. In 1997, Wilson relocated to St. Charles, Illinois, to work on a solo project with Thomas. His third solo 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. Shortly before the album's release, Wilson lost his brother Carl and their mother Audree.
  
  Some reports from this period suggested that Wilson was exploited by those close to him, including Melinda. His daughter Carnie nicknamed Ledbetter "Melandy", while family friend Ginger Blake described Wilson as "complacent and basically surrendered". 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." When asked if he still considered himself a Beach Boy, Wilson responded, "No. Maybe a little bit." Debate persisted among fans over whether Wilson fully consented to his semi-regular touring schedule through the 2010s.
  
  From March to July 1999, Wilson embarked on his first solo tour, playing about a dozen dates in the U.S. and Japan. 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). He toured the U.S. again in October. 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."
  
  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. Thomas counter-sued, alleging that Wilson's wife had "schemed against and manipulated" him and Wilson; the case was settled out of court.