Unveiling 'Now and Then': The Emotional Journey of a Lost Beatles Track
In 2023, Beatles fans were in for an emotional surprise as a previously unheard track by John Lennon, titled “Now and Then,” was released. This home recording from the mid-70s featured old guitar recordings by George Harrison from the ’90s, making it a significant find for fans. The track was initially attempted to be released in 1995 but faced challenges until Peter Jackson came into the picture.
In 1995, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison reunited to create The Beatles Anthology, a project that included early takes and unreleased tracks. Yoko Ono provided the surviving Beatles with tapes of Lennon’s home recordings, leading to the completion of songs like “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” which were well-received by fans.
The release of “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love” in 1995 delighted fans with their nostalgic and heartfelt sound. The songs featured Lennon’s vocals, with additional verses added by McCartney and Harrison, showcasing the band’s friendship. The accompanying videos paid homage to the Beatles’ history and camaraderie.
Despite the success of “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” the track “Now and Then” remained unreleased due to technical challenges. The tape featured Lennon singing and playing piano, with the vocals being drowned out by the piano. The band attempted to work on the track but ultimately shelved it, with Harrison expressing doubts about its quality.
Following George Harrison’s passing in 2001, McCartney and Starr were emotionally affected and needed time to revisit their Beatles memories. In 2022, Peter Jackson introduced a technology that could separate vocal tracks from instruments, prompting the band to revisit “Now and Then.” With Jackson’s help, the track was restored, and additional elements, such as a string section orchestrated by Giles Martin, were added to complete the song.
The journey of bringing “Now and Then” to life was a poignant one for McCartney and Starr, who reflected on their time with Lennon and Harrison. The restoration of the track allowed them to relive their Beatles memories and appreciate the legacy of the band. The release of “Now and Then” marked a significant moment for Beatles fans, showcasing the enduring impact of the iconic band.