The legendary Beatles, a band that needs no introduction, are making waves again in the world of music, more than 50 years after their breakup. Their latest announcement has stirred up excitement among fans worldwide. The band is set to release a remarkable track titled “Now And Then.” In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the story behind this extraordinary release, the technology that made it possible, and the emotions it has evoked from the surviving members of the band.
The Genesis of “Now And Then”
“Now And Then” is a hidden gem from the past, a song that was initially written by John Lennon after the Beatles disbanded in 1970. For years, it remained in the shadows as a bootleg recording. This heartfelt track is an apologetic love song, addressed to an old friend or lover, with poignant lyrics such as, “Now and then, I miss you / Now and then, I want you to return to me.”
Following John Lennon’s tragic death in December 1980, his widow, Yoko Ono, entrusted this song to Sir Paul McCartney. It was discovered on a cassette labeled “For Paul,” which also contained early versions of “Free As A Bird” and “Real Love.” These songs were later polished up and released as singles in 1995 and 1996, as part of the Beatles’ Anthology project.
The Beatles did make an attempt to record “Now And Then,” but the session was abandoned quickly, with George Harrison expressing his dissatisfaction with the quality of Lennon’s recording, calling it “rubbish.” However, Sir Paul held on to the desire to complete this song and bring it to life.
The Technological Leap
The story of “Now And Then” resurfaced with the release of the Beatles’ Get Back documentary in 2021. Director Peter Jackson and his team harnessed cutting-edge software that allowed them to “de-mix” mono recordings from the 1970s. This process effectively isolated individual instruments and vocals.
The very same technology that was used to separate sounds was later applied to one of the original tapes of “Now And Then.” This transformative process removed tape hiss and electrical mains noise while preserving the essence of John Lennon’s performance.
This marked the turning point for the song. Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr embarked on the journey to complete “Now And Then.” They added new vocals, drums, bass, guitar, and piano to the recording. Additionally, they included electric and acoustic guitar parts recorded by George Harrison in 1995, just before his untimely passing.
Giles Martin, the son of the legendary Beatles producer George Martin, played a pivotal role in this resurrection. He incorporated backing vocals from the original recordings of iconic songs like “Here, There And Everywhere,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and “Because,” adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the track.
A Surreal Experience
The surviving Beatles have described the experience of completing “Now And Then” as surreal. “There it was, John’s voice, crystal clear,” said Sir Paul. “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 haven’t heard, I think it’s an exciting thing.”
Sir Ringo Starr added, “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.”
The Grand Premiere
The long-anticipated track, “Now And Then,” will make its grand premiere at 14:00 GMT on Thursday, 2 November. This release is not only a standalone event; it will also be featured on newly-remastered versions of The Beatles’ Red and Blue albums, set to be released on 10 November.
Originally released in 1973, these career-spanning compilations have been described by Rolling Stone magazine as “arguably the most influential greatest hits albums in history.” The Red Album spans the band’s early mop-top days, while the Blue Album showcases their more experimental and expansive late period.
Stay Tuned for More
To celebrate this historical moment, the BBC is set to premiere a documentary about the making of “Now And Then” on Wednesday, 1 November. Furthermore, a new six-part podcast on the story of the Beatles will provide fans with an even deeper look into the band’s incredible journey.
The first five parts of the podcast have already arrived, and they include a recently re-discovered interview from 1964, which has not been heard since. The final part, to be released on 2 November along with the song, will feature exclusive interviews with Sir Paul and Sir Ringo Starr, the two remaining Beatles, discussing their experiences with the new material.
Conclusion
The announcement of The Beatles releasing their “last song,” “Now And Then,” has ignited immense anticipation and nostalgia among fans. This remarkable journey from a forgotten recording to a complete and emotionally charged Beatles track is a testament to the enduring legacy of the band. The technological advancements that made this possible have allowed fans to once again feel the presence of John Lennon, evoking powerful emotions.
As the release date approaches, the excitement only continues to build, promising a magical moment for music lovers worldwide.
FAQs
1. Why was “Now And Then” not released earlier?
“Now And Then” remained unreleased for decades due to the quality of the original recording and the band’s decision to abandon the initial recording session.
2. How did technology play a role in completing the song?
Cutting-edge audio technology was used to “de-mix” mono recordings from the 1970s, allowing the isolation of individual instruments and vocals, which was crucial in completing the song.
3. What can fans expect from the newly-remastered albums?
The Red and Blue albums, originally released in 1973, offer a comprehensive collection of The Beatles’ greatest hits, spanning their entire career.
4. What emotions did the surviving Beatles experience while completing “Now And Then”?
Sir Paul McCartney described it as an emotional experience, feeling like John Lennon was back in the room during the process.
5. When is the grand premiere of “Now And Then”?
The track will premiere at 14:00 GMT on Thursday, 2 November, and will also be featured on the remastered albums to be released on 10 November.
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