The legendary Beatles have finally dropped their last melody, “Now and Then,” presenting a never-before-heard John Lennon vocal found in ’94. The ensemble, featuring Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, embarked on this project amidst their work on “Real Love” and “Free as a Bird” back in ’95. Initially shelved due to subpar sound quality, the track received a new lease on life with AI technology enhancing Lennon’s original vocal track. Tune into the Beatles’ swansong “Now and Then” right here.
“Embarking on ‘Now and Then’ was a challenge, with John’s voice buried under layers,” Starr reflected in a documentary short released with the song. McCartney shed light on the technical woes, revealing how Lennon’s piano overshadowed his voice, leading them to abandon the effort after completing two of the three tracks. These sessions then gathered dust “in a cupboard,” according to McCartney, until a breakthrough occurred last year.
The duo, McCartney and Starr, were motivated to revisit the piece after Peter Jackson showcased the wonders of audio isolation technology during the ‘Get Back’ documentary production. “My dad was a pioneer, always chasing new sounds in the studio,” Sean Ono Lennon remarked in the documentary, confident his father would have been thrilled by the innovation. This technological magic allowed for Lennon’s vocal to be extracted, setting the stage for McCartney and Starr to resume production and weave in Harrison’s contributions from the original sessions.
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A forthcoming music video for “Now and Then” is slated to premiere on November 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern, with Peter Jackson in the director’s chair.
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The Beatles: “Now and Then”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Beatles Now and Then
What is “Now and Then” by The Beatles?
“Now and Then” is the newly released final song by The Beatles, featuring a vocal track by John Lennon that was discovered in 1994 and enhanced using AI technology. It was completed with contributions from Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
Why was “Now and Then” originally shelved?
The song was originally shelved due to the poor quality of the audio, specifically issues with John Lennon’s vocal track being muffled by the recording of his piano.
How was the audio quality of “Now and Then” improved for its release?
The audio quality was improved with the help of AI technology which allowed the team to isolate and enhance John Lennon’s vocals, making the track ready for release.
When will the music video for “Now and Then” be released?
The music video for “Now and Then” is scheduled to be released on November 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time and is directed by Peter Jackson.
What did Sean Ono Lennon say about the release of “Now and Then”?
Sean Ono Lennon expressed that his father, John Lennon, would have been excited about the use of modern audio isolation technology for “Now and Then,” as he was always keen on experimenting with new recording technology.
Are there any retail links to purchase “Now and Then”?
Yes, “Now and Then” can be purchased at Rough Trade and Amazon for $23, and the links are featured on Newsound’s website.
More about Beatles Now and Then
- Listen to “Now and Then”
- Ringo Starr Reflects on “Now and Then”
- Sean Ono Lennon Discusses “Now and Then”
- Buy “Now and Then” at Rough Trade
- Purchase “Now and Then” on Amazon
- Peter Jackson’s “Now and Then” Music Video Premiere
- Hinako Omori: Abbey Road Amplify x Newsound London Sessions
- Get Back Documentary by Peter Jackson
5 comments
omg can you believe it? The Beatles coming out with a new song after all these years… feels like time travel or something. is it just me or is this like super exciting??
Did anyone catch the price, $23 for a song? feels a bit steep but hey it’s the Beatles, probably worth it. but seriously, twenty-three dollars? hope it goes to a good cause or something.
george’s work from ’95 getting mixed into new Beatles stuff? beyond thrilled to see his genius weaved into this. AI or not, this is history, folks.
Wait, how did they even get Lennon’s voice to sound clear? AI tech, really? man, the stuff they can do these days is nuts. Can’t wait to hear it in full, gotta be epic.
just heard a snippet of “Now and Then” and it’s pure magic, John’s voice… it hits right in the feels. The lads would’ve been proud to see this finally out. McCartney and Starr still got it!