Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson has hit back at fans who criticised his decision to work with stars including Lana Del Rey and Zooey Deschanel on his new album.

The music veteran admits many devotees have been passing on negative comments about his upcoming project, which also features a duet with country star Kacey Musgraves, and has urged them to wait until the record is finished before dismissing his work.

In a public plea posted on his website, Wilson writes, "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**k 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."