From what I've read and from interviews, it sounds like Brian Wilson had a complicated relationship with the Beach Boys. At first, he was super into it, especially since it started with his family and friends. But later on, all the fighting with his dad and the pressure to make hit after hit just got to him. I've seen quotes where he said making music felt like work more than fun after a while, especially when they didn’t appreciate the direction he was trying to go, like with Smile.

I remember watching documentaries where he looked totally burnt out, and even the other guys in the band said Brian wanted to do his own thing. He stepped back from touring and just focused on the studio stuff, and then eventually dropped out for years. So, yeah, he probably loved it at first but later was kind of done with all the band drama. It makes sense, honestly. If you’re a creative person, sometimes you just want to do your own thing. But the Beach Boys wouldn't have been the legends they are without his vision.