How Is There a New Beatles Song in 2023?
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The Beatles, one of the most timeless and iconic bands in music history, disbanded in 1970, leaving behind a legacy of hits. To the surprise and excitement of fans of all ages worldwide, a new Beatles song has been released in 2023. How did this happen? Here’s the story behind the unexpected release from the Beatles.
What is the New Beatles Song?
The Beatles released a song titled “Now and Then” on November 2, along with a music video released the next day. The song was announced as the band’s “last new song together” and features all four members of the Beatles thanks to the use of modern technology, including AI.
“Now and Then” is available for purchase as a double A-side single, paired with the band’s first single, the song “Love Me Do,” which they originally released in 1962. The song can also be streamed on all major music streaming platforms.
How Was the New Beatles Song Recorded?
The song was originally written and recorded by John Lennon in 1977, over 40 years ago. Following Lennon’s death in 1980, the band’s surviving members, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Paul McCartney, planned to release the song as part of their ‘Anthology’ series in the ‘90s, but for some reason, they shelved the project and decided not to release it.
Paul and Ringo, the remaining living members of the Beatles, picked the song up again over the last year and finished recording, mixing, and mastering it. With some help from generative AI technology, the music video weaves together old footage of the now-deceased John and George with current footage of Paul and Ringo finishing the song. The music video was directed by ‘Lord of the Rings’ director Peter Jackson.
How Popular has the New Beatles Song Been so Far?
“Now and Then” was met with huge acclaim immediately upon its release, coming in at number one on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart. The song opened at number 152 on the Billboard Global 200. In all formats, including physical sales, digital sales, radio plays, and streaming numbers, the new single reached over 2.6 million listeners on the day it was released.
As for the song’s accompanying music video, reviews are mixed. Some fans have enjoyed seeing old never-before-seen footage of the Beatles in their younger days, while some have remarked that the use of AI to weave that footage with footage of the now 81- and 83-year-old Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr seems somewhat eerie.
The Beatles’ Enduring Influence on Modern Music
The Beatles’ music has had an enduring influence on countless artists and genres, shaping the landscape of popular music for generations. By releasing a new song in 2023, the band has given their fans a chance to experience their creativity again and showcased their continued relevance in today’s musical landscape. This release serves as a reminder of the band’s timeless appeal and their ability to captivate audiences across different eras.