The Beatles' Final Echo 'Now and Then' and the Fusion with AI Technology | Release #40
Nearly 40 years have passed since John Lennon left this world, yet the music of the Beatles continues to resonate with fans. The production background of their latest and final song 'Now and Then' holds fascinating stories.
The Beatles' Final New Song 'Now and Then'
'Now and Then' was created using AI technology based on a demo tape recorded by John Lennon at home in 1980. It is introduced by Paul McCartney's marketing team as 'the last Beatles song'.
Background Leading to Production Using AI Technology
The backstory of 'Now and Then' dates back to the 1990s, about 30 years ago.
'Now and Then' was considered as part of the 'The Beatles Anthology' project in the 1990s. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr reunited to rework three unreleased John Lennon songs by adding new vocals and instruments, releasing 'Real Love' and 'Free As A Bird'.
However, 'Now and Then' was excluded from the project due to difficulties handling John Lennon's demo and disagreements among the Beatles members. At that time, Paul McCartney stated, 'The last Beatles song was forgotten, languished in a cupboard.'
Now, about 20 years later, with the advancement of new AI and machine learning technologies, it became possible to isolate Lennon's voice from the demo. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were able to complete the song.
© The Beatles Ringo Starr playing drums with his younger self
Music Video Featuring the Late John and George
The music video is overseen by Peter Jackson, director of 'The Lord of the Rings' and the Beatles documentary 'Get Back'. In the music video, AI-generated images of George and John from the 1960s are featured. Young George wearing purple tights and a psychedelic blouse, and young John waving at the camera with a humorous expression. The sight of young John and George standing next to an over-80-year-old Paul is a complex joy for us fans, not just a simple fun image.
When in the studio, hearing John's voice made us imagine as if he was in the next room, feeling joyful as if working with him again.
(Paul McCartney, from a BBC interview)
© The Beatles Young John and George appearing next to Paul and Ringo
It's an ethically challenging theme, but we live in an era where we can create works through the voices left by artists who are no longer with us. Not just voices, but also photos and images.
