The Long-Awaited Release
After decades of anticipation, fans around the world are finally getting a chance to listen to what has been described as The Beatles’ last song, “Now and Then.” This remarkable track, featuring the iconic voice of the late John Lennon, has been a subject of fascination for music enthusiasts and Beatles aficionados. The release of this song marks a momentous occasion in the history of music.
John Lennon’s Legacy
John Lennon, the genius behind “Now and Then,” originally wrote and recorded the song in the late 1970s at his home in New York City. His widow, Yoko Ono, entrusted the demo of this song to the remaining Beatles members in 1994. Lennon’s tragic death in 1980 at the age of 40 was a profound loss for the world of music. His contribution to this final Beatles song allows fans to experience his voice once more.
The Making of “Now and Then”
The story behind “Now and Then” is a testament to the enduring legacy of The Beatles. The surviving members of the band, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, collaborated to complete the track. However, the task of isolating Lennon’s voice from the piano sound on the original track proved challenging. The project faced hurdles and, as a result, the song remained hidden in a proverbial cupboard for many years.
A Tribute to George Harrison
The passing of George Harrison in 2001 was another setback, and McCartney mentioned that it took more than two decades for him and Ringo Starr to revisit the song. State-of-the-art AI technology was employed to extract Lennon’s voice from a demo track, a technique used in the Peter Jackson-directed docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back.” McCartney reworked the bass, Ringo added the drums, and a group of talented musicians at Capitol Studios contributed strings. The song also incorporated guitar parts from 1995, paying homage to Harrison’s distinct style.
A Lasting Beatle Legacy
The release of “Now and Then” not only offers fans a new Beatles song but also reignites the timeless legacy of the band. Despite having disbanded over 50 years ago, The Beatles’ impact on music and culture endures. With an array of iconic hits, their influence remains ingrained in the fabric of popular music. “Now and Then” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring magic created by the legendary quartet.
