Legendary rock band The Beatles are set to release a new song titled Now And Then, which has been created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The track was originally written and sung by ex-Beatle John Lennon in the late 1970s, but it has now been completed by former band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with the assistance of AI technology. The much-anticipated release is scheduled for November 2, with a music video accompanying the unveiling.
The song Now And Then was initially recorded by Lennon at his home in New York’s Dakota Building, featuring piano music as well. Using AI, director Peter Jackson and the rest of the band were able to separate Lennon’s voice from the piano chords. McCartney expressed his emotions upon hearing Lennon’s crystal-clear voice, stating that it felt like a genuine Beatles recording. Starr shared the sentiment, calling the process of finishing the song with Lennon’s presence in mind as very emotional.
The completion of Now And Then involved recording sessions at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles where McCartney and Starr added their contributions. This included the incorporation of fellow ex-Beatle George Harrison’s electric and acoustic guitar, which had been recorded in 1995 before his passing. Other elements such as bass, piano, slide guitar solos, and backing vocals were also incorporated into the final version. The result is a song that McCartney believes will captivate fans even after all these years.
The Beatles disbanded in 1970, with each member pursuing solo careers. However, they never reunited as a group. Lennon tragically passed away in 1980, while Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001. The release of Now And Then holds sentimental significance as it marks the last song that Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr worked on together. Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, expressed how touching it was to hear the Beatles collaborating again after all these years. He believes that the song feels like a time capsule and that its completion was meant to be.
In addition to Now And Then, another Beatles classic will be part of the release. The band’s debut single from 1962, Love Me Do, will be featured as a double A-side. The cover art for the release has been created by renowned American artist Ed Ruscha.
The use of AI in music production has sparked debates within the industry, with opinions ranging from concerns about copyright issues to admiration for the technology’s capabilities. McCartney himself described it as both scary and exciting, representing the future of music creation.
The release of Now And Then and the accompanying documentary promises a unique experience for Beatles fans. The 12-minute documentary, directed by Oliver Murray, will feature insights and commentary from McCartney and Starr, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the song. Fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of the Beatles once again and appreciate the lasting impact of their music.
Overall, the release of Now And Then serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of The Beatles and their ability to create music that resonates with audiences even decades later. Fans eagerly await November 2 when they can immerse themselves in this AI-generated Beatles experience.
