The Beatles Return with a Bang: Their Final Song “Now and Then”
Following years of eager anticipation, the legendary British rock band, The Beatles, has gifted the world a poignant goodbye with their latest and reportedly last song, “Now and Then.” A tribute to the undying spirit of the iconic quartet, this release was supplemented by a music video under the creative direction of none other than Peter Jackson.
A Trip Down Memory Lane with a Special Short Film
To celebrate this monumental moment in music history, a 12-minute short film was crafted. Steered by the acclaimed director Oliver Murray, known for his work on “My Life as a Rolling Stone”, the film offers viewers an inside look into a tape’s discovery in 1994 by Yoko Ono. This very tape bore the mesmerizing vocals of John Lennon for “Now and Then”.
Unfolding the tapestry of time, the short film showcases the challenges the song underwent throughout the years, offering a window into its multiple false starts. Key insights are shared by various prominent figures, including the late George Harrison, John Lennon’s son, Peter Jackson, and the two surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
On his vision for the film, Oliver Murray reflected,
“The legacy of The Beatles set one of the most important foundations for modern youth culture. It is a great honour to be given the responsibility of telling this story… ‘Now and Then’ is a story of musical archaeology and a brotherly bond between four guys that gave the world some of the most popular entertainment in history.”
Diving Into “Now and Then”: Where to Catch the Film
For those itching to immerse themselves in this musical journey, “Now And Then – The Last Beatles Song” is easily accessible on streaming platforms like Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, enthusiasts can delve into this world through YouTube.
Marking its debut, the film was featured on BBC One at 7 pm, 1st November, during a special edition of The One Show. This edition was gracefully hosted by BBC Radio 6’s Lauren Laverne. And if the film has ignited your curiosity about the track’s origins, a teaser trailer offers an appetizing preview of the song’s creation.
A Nostalgic Audio Experience: Song Release and Special Features
For those keen on the audio aspects, “Now and Then” was masterfully rendered in Dolby Atmos and stereo. It was digitally released at 2 pm on 2nd November as a double A-side single, alongside “Love Me Do”, the first ever Beatles song. This serves as a perfect encapsulation, beginning and concluding the illustrious discography of The Beatles. Vinyl lovers are in for a treat, as a stereo mix on 7 and 12-inch vinyls will hit the shelves on 3rd November, with pre-orders already up on Amazon for £14.99.
In this digital age, where moments are fleeting, The Beatles have ensured that their legacy stands strong and resonant. Through “Now and Then,” they invite fans old and new to join them in a musical embrace that celebrates decades of unparalleled artistry.
