Unveiling 'Now and Then': The Last Beatles Song Rediscovered in 2023
2023 was a significant year for Beatles enthusiasts as a previously unreleased track titled "Now and Then" was unveiled by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the families of George Harrison and John Lennon. This track, originally a home recording by Lennon from the mid-70s, was finally shared with the world over 40 years after its creation. Considered the last Beatles song, "Now and Then" features guitar recordings by Harrison from the '90s. The release of this track was made possible with the help of Peter Jackson, who played a crucial role in bringing the song to completion.
In 1995, McCartney, Starr, and Harrison came together after 25 years to work on The Beatles Anthology project, a documentary and album series celebrating the legacy of The Beatles. Among the treasures unearthed were two previously unheard Beatles tracks, "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love," based on Lennon's home recordings provided by Yoko Ono. These tracks were reworked by the surviving Beatles to create new Beatles songs that resonated with fans worldwide.
The release of "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" in 1995 was met with great enthusiasm from fans. The songs captured a nostalgic and heartfelt essence, with Lennon's raw vocals adding a unique charm to the tracks. McCartney and Harrison contributed their verses to enhance the songs, reflecting on their friendship and shared experiences. The accompanying videos paid homage to the band's history, showcasing footage from the '60s and '90s.
Despite the success of "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love," one track remained unreleased in 1995. "Now and Then," a tape featuring Lennon's vocals and piano playing, presented technical challenges that prevented its completion at the time. The band attempted to work on the track, but the piano's volume overshadowed the vocals, making it difficult to achieve the desired balance. Harrison's reluctance to release a subpar product halted further progress on the song.
Following Harrison's passing in 2001, McCartney and Starr found it challenging to revisit the memories associated with "Now and Then." However, in 2022, an opportunity arose with the help of Peter Jackson, who introduced a technology that could separate vocal tracks from instruments. This breakthrough allowed the Beatles to restore "Now and Then," with Starr and McCartney re-recording their parts and enlisting the expertise of Giles Martin to orchestrate a fitting string section for the song.
The restoration of "Now and Then" brought back a flood of memories for McCartney, reflecting on the profound impact that Lennon, Harrison, and Martin had on his life. The completion of the track marked a poignant moment for the surviving Beatles, honoring their shared history and musical legacy.