Brian Wilson slams 'negativity' over Lana Del Rey, Zooey Deschanel duets

After it was revealed that Brian Wilson is potentially working with Zooey Deschanel, Lana Del Rey and Frank Ocean on his new album, Wilson has criticised the "negativity" he has received from fans.

The collaborations were first reported by Rolling Stone on 10 June, with Wilson seeming to confirm the news shortly afterwards by reposting the story on his Facebook page.

The announcement was not met with an entirely positive reaction though, with fans posting comments such as: "Everything is ruined" and "This is a major disappointment."

Wilson has since taken to Facebook to defend the collaborations, writing: "To my fans, it kind of bums me out to see some of the negativity here about the album I’ve been working so hard on.

"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 – and I think I’ve earned that right."

He continued: "I’m really proud of these new songs and to hear these great artists sing on them just blows me away. I love what we’ve done. I would think that after making music for more than fifty years, my fans would understand that I’ll always do what’s in my heart – and I think that’s why you are my fans.

"So let’s just wait until the album comes out because I think you just might dig it as much as I do. Love and Mercy, Brian."

Wilson has previously revealed that he'll be working with Joe Thomas, Jeff Beck and his former Beach Boys bandmates on the new album, which currently has no release date.