John, Paul, George, and Ringo intervene across different decades but play the same song, for one final moment all together. The last song by the Beatles is the poignant farewell of the greatest band of all time.
The Beatles have always been at the forefront of technological innovations in the music industry, and this time is no exception. Leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, they bring to light a song that has been on hold for nearly 50 years.
The story of "Now and Then" begins in 1977 when John Lennon, in his New York Dakota apartment, records a piano demo along with other tracks. On the cassette, he notes «for Paul», but fate prevents McCartney from receiving it directly. It will be Yoko Ono, in 1994, during the Beatles' reunion for the "Anthology" project, who passes on the torch.
Two tracks, "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love", are completed using Lennon's voice directly from the original demo. However, "Now and Then" is set aside due to the low quality of the original recording and the challenges encountered in attempting to work on it.
Fast forward to 2021, when director Peter Jackson, involved in the restoration of "The Beatles: Get Back", manages to isolate voices, instruments, and sounds through a new AI-based software. Paul and Ringo seize the opportunity to revisit the old demo of "Now and Then," breathing new life into it. John's voice finally emerges clear and distinct, freed from any background interference. They add bass, drums, choirs, and even an old guitar track recorded by George Harrison in '95. There's even a string section entrusted to Giles Martin, the son of the legendary Beatles producer, George Martin.
The result, released on November 2, 2023, is the Beatles' final song. A poignant composition, with lyrics that can be interpreted as both the end of a love story and a passionate letter to former bandmates. Also, as the ultimate farewell from the greatest band of all time.
With the Ladders, we didn't hesitate to include "Now and Then" in our setlist right from its release. Playing a fresh Beatles hit still on the charts in 2023 is an unprecedented experience for us. It makes us feel a part of the same magical musical era as our beloved Beatles... How could we resist?! ;)
Recorded and mixed by Maurizio Sellani at Maui Garage Studio.
Video by Brizio Romagnoli.
I know it's true
It's all because of you
And if I make it through
It's all because of you
And now and then
If we must start again
Well, we will know for sure
That I will love you
Now and then
I miss you
Oh, now and then
I want you to be there for me
Always to return to me
I know it's true
It's all because of you
And if you go away
I know you'll never stay
Now and then
I miss you
Oh, now and then
I want you to be there for me
I know it's true
It's all because of you
And if I make it through
It's all because of you
Now and Then is a song by the Beatles, dubbed "the last Beatles song", released on a Double A-side single on 2 November 2023, along with a new stereo remix of their first single, Love Me Do (1962). The two tracks serve as "bookends" in the band's history. Both songs were included on the expanded re-issues of the 1973 compilations 1962–1966 (red) and 1967–1970 (blue), released on 10 November 2023.
John Lennon wrote and recorded it around 1977 as a solo home demo. It was later reworked in 1995 with guitar parts by George Harrison and then completed in 2022 with Ringo Starr on drums and Paul McCartney McCartney on bass.
Paul used his beloved 1963 Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass, the same bass that accompanied him for most of the Beatles' hits. It was his second 500/1 Violin Bass and the one most closely associated with him. An iconic instrument, a symbol of the Beatles' look and sound since the days of Beatlemania. Very similar to the one you see in this video.
