The Beatles Final Melody: The remaining Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, have joined forces to complete the band’s final song, decades after their iconic breakup and the sad losses of John Lennon and George Harrison.
This new track, titled “Now and Then,” is set to become a global sensation when it’s released on Thursday, November 2nd, alongside a reissue of their very first single, “Love Me Do,” which originally graced the world in 1962.
A remarkable aspect of “Now and Then” is that it features the vocal magic of John Lennon and the guitar prowess of George Harrison, recorded six years before Harrison’s passing in 2001.
The genesis of this song goes back to the late 1970s when Lennon, residing at the Dakota building in New York, recorded a demo with his signature vocals and piano. It was a time of creativity and promise, but tragically, Lennon’s life was cut short when he was senselessly murdered in 1980.
In 1994, Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow, passed on the recording to the remaining members of the Beatles, hoping they could breathe life into this unfinished gem. Despite their efforts, the technology of the time limited their ability to separate Lennon’s vocals and piano for a clear, polished audio track.
It was not until 2021, with the release of “The Beatles: Get Back” docuseries directed by Peter Jackson, that a renewed attempt to finish the song was made possible. This groundbreaking series allowed the restoration team to “de-mix” the original mono soundtrack, isolating instruments, vocals, and even the voices of the Beatles during conversations.
This same technique was then applied to Lennon’s home recordings. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr contributed their unmatched talents, adding new bass and drums, while George Harrison’s guitar, recorded back in 1995, was woven into the fabric of the song.
In a statement, McCartney expressed his emotions about this remarkable discovery, “There it was, John’s voice, crystal clear. It’s quite emotional. And we all play on it; it’s a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023, to still be working on Beatles music and about to release a new song the public hasn’t heard, I think it’s an exciting thing.”
Ringo Starr also shared his thoughts, acknowledging the powerful connection they felt during the recording, “It was the closest we’ll ever come to having him back in the room, so it was very emotional for all of us. It was like John was there, you know. It’s far out.”
Earlier this year, McCartney generated headlines when he initially spoke about this yet-to-be-named song, hinting at the use of AI in its creation. He revealed how technology was employed to separate Lennon’s voice and piano from an old cassette recording, allowing them to mix the song as they normally would.
The mention of AI in the creative process stirred some controversy among fans who were concerned that Lennon’s vocals had been manipulated. McCartney later clarified the process, emphasizing that nothing artificial or synthetic was created; they simply cleaned up existing recordings that had undergone a continuous refinement process over the years.
In the end, the Beatles reaffirmed their commitment to authenticity, with Ringo Starr stating unequivocally that they would “never” fake Lennon’s voice. The recording process was a beautiful journey, and “Now and Then” stands as the final testament to the enduring legacy of the Fab Four.
Additionally, fans can look forward to expanded compilations of their music, including “1962-1966” (The “Red Album“) and “1967-1970” (“The Blue Album”). The latter collection will feature “Now and Then,” providing a fitting conclusion to the Beatles’ musical journey.
A documentary, “Now And Then The Last Beatles Song,” will offer a 12-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of the song, featuring exclusive footage and commentary from McCartney, Starr, the late Harrison, Lennon’s son Sean Ono Lennon, and director Peter Jackson.
In the documentary, McCartney reflects, “When we lost John, we knew that it was really over,” underscoring the profound significance of this final musical offering from one of the greatest bands in history. The voice of George Harrison adds a poignant layer, stating, “I was talking to Yoko, and she said, ‘Oh, I think I’ve got a tape of John.'”
The Beatles, evermore united in their music, continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. “Now and Then” is the embodiment of their enduring spirit, an homage to the past and a bridge to the future.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What was the last Beatles tune?
Listen to a snippet of the last Beatles track “Now and Then,” derived from a set of previously unheard demos composed by Lennon in the 1970s. Yoko Ono presented these to his former band members, who employed the recordings to create the songs “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love,” made public in the 1990s.
What was the last song that the Beatles made?
Sir Paul McCartney revealed that the music video for “Now And Then” is set to release on Nov. 3. In a groundbreaking move, he announced that artificial intelligence technology was used to extract John Lennon’s vocals from an old demo. This innovative approach has allowed the late musician’s voice to be reunited with his former bandmate’s, creating a truly unique and nostalgic experience for fans. Stay tuned for the highly anticipated release of this unprecedented collaboration.
What is the last song the Beatles play on the roof?
In 1996, the Beatles’ final live performance featured their last song “Get Back”, which was captured in the third live performance. Anthology 3 included this iconic performance. Additionally, Let It Be… Naked included an edited version of “Don’t Let Me Down” and a composite of “I’ve Got a Feeling”, both composed of two takes.
What Beatles song ends abruptly?
The last recording session for “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”, where the final mixing and editing took place, marked the final collaboration of all four Beatles in the studio. The ultimate version ran for 8:04, but Lennon threw in a unexpected ending.