Brian Wilson has responded to fans who have criticised his choice of new collaborators.

It was reported recently by Rolling Stone that the Beach Boys star has worked with Lana Del Rey, Frank Ocean and Zooey Deschanel on his new album.

However, this provoked a strong response with some of the singer's fans, who believed the duets to be a step in the wrong direction.

Speaking in a statement on Facebook, Wilson responded to the negativity by saying:

"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 f*ck with the formula, but as an artist it’s my job to do that – and I think I’ve earned that right.

"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."

Wilson's new album has yet to receive a release date.

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