Wilson entered a period of regression over the subsequent years—particularly, after the band's disastrous tour of Australia in 1978—and found ways of obtaining cocaine and barbiturates without the knowledge of his handlers. In mid-1978, a day after he overdosed on a combination of drugs, he disappeared from his family and went hitchhiking in West Hollywood, ultimately arriving at a gay bar, where he played piano for drinks. After this, he was driven to Mexico by a bar patron, and then hitchhiked to San Diego. Days later, police officers discovered Wilson lying under a tree in Balboa Park without shoes, money, or a wallet. They promptly took him to Alvarado Hospital for detox from alcohol poisoning. Once discharged, Wilson immediately joined his bandmates for the recording of L.A. (Light Album) (March 1979), but after producing some demos and early recordings, requested that Bruce Johnston helm the project. Korthof recalled that Wilson had been "real depressed" during the proceedings.
wilson entered a period of regression over the subsequent years—particularly after the band's disastrous tour of australia in 1978—and found ways of obtaining cocaine and barbiturates without the knowledge of his handlers in mid-1978 a day after he overdosed on a combination of drugs he disappeared from his family and went hitchhiking in west hollywood ultimately arriving at a gay bar where he played piano for drinks after this he was driven to mexico by a bar patron and then hitchhiked to san diego days later police officers discovered wilson lying under a tree in balboa park without shoes money or a wallet they promptly took him to alvarado hospital for detox from alcohol poisoning once discharged wilson immediately joined his bandmates for the recording of la (light album) (march 1979) but after producing some demos and early recordings requested that bruce johnston helm the project korthof recalled that wilson had been "real depressed" during the proceedings