Nearly 50 years after breaking up, The Beatles are topping the charts again with “Now And Then.” The band’s final song utilizes AI to isolate vocals and give the unfinished track new life.
Restoring The Beatles’ Last Recording
“Now And Then” was originally written and demoed by John Lennon in the 1970s. In 1994, the remaining Beatles revisited the song but were dissatisfied with the audio quality.
Enter Peter Jackson, director of the acclaimed docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back.” Jackson’s production isolated the band members’ vocals using the same AI audio restoration as in the documentary.
This technology allowed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to finally complete the song to their liking. Engineer Paul Hicks helped finesse the production.
Chart Success and New Music Video
Released last Friday, “Now And Then” is already outpacing all other singles to top the U.K. charts. The song marks The Beatles’ first number one since “The Ballad of John and Yoko” in 1969.
Jackson also directed an accompanying music video featuring the band in their early years. This helps bring the new-yet-nostalgic single to life.
The track’s success demonstrates the lasting power and appeal of The Beatles’ music. Even in 2022, their songs resonate across generations.
Keeping The Beatles’ Memory Alive
For McCartney and Starr, “Now And Then” represents a final chance to collaborate in the band that made them famous.
As Starr notes, The Beatles continue inspiring new listeners decades later. In 2021, their songs garnered over 3 billion streams on Spotify alone.
By embracing new technology, McCartney and Starr have ensured The Beatles’ story doesn’t end with their breakup. “Now And Then” lets fans hear John, Paul, George, and Ringo together one last time.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Beatles
Who were the original members of The Beatles?
The original Fab Four were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They came together in 1960 and went on to become the best-selling music act of all time.
When and why did The Beatles break up?
They split up in 1970, largely due to creative differences and personal tensions emerging within the group. Their final album, Let It Be, was released shortly after the breakup.
How many #1 hits did they have?
The Beatles landed 27 songs at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, more than any other artist. Their dominance helped usher in the “British Invasion.”
What was their last concert together?
The Beatles’ final live show was an impromptu concert from the roof of Apple Corps in 1969. It became legendary, marking the end of their touring career.
How have they remained popular today?
Their music influenced countless artists and remained relevant across generations. They mastered pop songwriting and continually evolved their sound, ensuring enduring popularity.
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