Table of Contents
Introduction
Sixty years since Beatlemania first swept the globe, the harmonious echoes of The Beatles have resonated once again. The latest release, “Now and Then,” isn’t just a new track—it’s a historical tapestry woven with modern threads by the hands of technology. Machine learning has achieved what once seemed unimaginable: reuniting the voices of John, Paul, George, and Ringo for a final, collaborative masterpiece.
On Thursday, fans old and new were treated to a profound moment in music history as “Now and Then” hit the airwaves, featuring a blend of archival genius and contemporary artistry. The song, emboldened by the surviving rhythms of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, brings to life an old John Lennon demo in a hauntingly beautiful completion of their timeless saga. The emotional chorus, a poignant duet between McCartney and Lennon, resonates with a simple yet stirring refrain: “I miss you.”
Join us as we delve into the making of “Now and Then,” an anthem that transcends time, brought to you by the legends of Liverpool and the wonders of artificial intelligence.
How the song ‘Now And Then’ was made?
In the midst of the ’90s, the remaining Beatles—Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—convened with nostalgic resolve to complete John Lennon’s unfinished demo, “Now and Then.” The song, intended to be part of the Anthology series, offered them a chance to once again harmonize with Lennon’s voice, a sentiment that stirred the soul.
Yet, the technology of the time couldn’t untangle Lennon’s voice from the piano on the demo. McCartney shares in a poignant documentary, they sought clarity in Lennon’s voice but found it veiled by overlapping notes, like sunlight through overcast skies.
Decades later, advances in AI provided a breakthrough, allowing Lennon’s voice to be isolated and revived. McCartney and Starr seized this opportunity, blending their contributions with Lennon’s distinct vocals, creating a seamless union across time.
This final collaboration, “Now and Then,” stands as a testament to enduring friendship and the timeless bond of The Beatles. It is both a technical marvel and a heartfelt tribute, completing a circle that began over half a century ago.
The process behind “Now and Then” has been captured in a short documentary film, released on The Beatles’ official YouTube channel. The film offers a glimpse behind the scenes, setting the stage for the highly anticipated music video that’s set to follow the song’s release.
Described in the YouTube summary of the documentary, “Now and Then” is not just a song, but a five-decade-spanning conversation among The Beatles. Initially attempted during the sessions for The Beatles Anthology project in February 1995 by McCartney, George Harrison, and Starr, the song remained incomplete. The technology of the time couldn’t overcome the hurdles posed by Lennon’s original recording.
The documentary narrates an almost mythological tale of the song’s evolution, culminating in what McCartney and Starr describe as a serendipitous breakthrough in 2022. The technology finally caught up with the dream, and the song that once seemed doomed to incompleteness found its way into the world.
McCartney, upon hearing Lennon’s voice coming through clearly in this fresh arrangement, was overwhelmed by the memories of their times together. His reflection on the good fortune of his life and the sheer wonder of working on Beatles music in the 21st century encapsulates the magic that “Now and Then” holds.
Starr expressed a poignant sentiment, feeling the presence of Lennon once again as if he were right there in the studio with them, an experience he described as “far out.” This posthumous collaboration, enabled by AI, not only serves as a bridge across time but also as a heartwarming reminder of the enduring bond between the members of this iconic band.
Who are The Surviving members of the Beatles Band?
The legacy of The Beatles endures, not only in the timeless music they left behind but also through the ongoing creative pursuits of its surviving members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. McCartney, the group’s influential bassist and co-lead vocalist, alongside the iconic John Lennon, has remained a vital force in music at 81. Similarly, Starr, whose rhythmic foundation as the band’s drummer is etched into rock history, continues to make his mark at 83.
Their careers post-Beatles have been marked by a series of successful solo ventures and eclectic collaborations, showcasing their undiminished passion for music and their evolution as artists.
Tragedy, however, is also woven into the band’s narrative. Lennon, whose profound lyrics and charismatic rhythm guitar defined an era, met a tragic end in 1980. His untimely death, at the age of 40, by the hands of Mark David Chapman—an event that remains one of the most shocking moments in cultural memory—marked a sorrowful close to his chapter.
George Harrison, the group’s original lead guitarist whose melodies and solos captivated millions, succumbed to cancer in 2001 at the age of 58. His passing, like Lennon’s, was a profound loss to the music world, yet his influence persists.
As the sun sets on an era with the release of “Now and Then,” it also rises on the enduring spirit of The Beatles, manifest in the lives and works of McCartney and Starr—two living testaments to the band’s everlasting impact.
Popularity of The Beatles
| Artist | Country | Period active | Release-year of first charted record | Genre | Total certified units (from available markets) | Claimed sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beatles | United Kingdom | 1960–1970 | 1962 | Period Active | show 292.9 million | Period Active |
| Elvis Presley | United States | 1953–1977 | 1956 | Rock/pop | show 233.9 million | 500 million |
| Michael Jackson | United States | 1964–2009 | 1971 | Rock and roll/pop / country | show 284.8 million | 400 million |
| Elton John | United Kingdom | 1962–present | 1970 | Pop / rock / dance/soul / R&B | show 210.7 million | 300 million 250 million |
| Queen | United Kingdom | 1971–present | 1973 | Rock | show 185.2 million | 300 million 250 million |
| Madonna | United States | 1979–present | 1983 | Pop/rock | show 184 million | 300 million 250 million |
Read related AI Updates: Click Here
