A Complete Timeline of the Complicated History of The Beach Boys

By early 1967, disagreements emerged within the band over Smile’s direction and commercial viability. Some members struggled to understand the project, while Capitol Records grew concerned about delays and rising costs.

At the same time, Brian Wilson’s mental health deteriorated under mounting stress. In May 1967, the album was officially shelved, marking a major creative and emotional collapse that deeply altered the band’s future trajectory.