NME: Paul McCartney Performs The Beatles’ ‘Now And Then’ Live for the First Time

In an extraordinary moment that bridged the past and the present, Paul McCartney recently performed The Beatles’ Now and Then” live for the first time, marking a poignant chapter in the band’s history and McCartney’s career. The performance, which took place just a month ago, sent ripples through the music world, offering fans a rare glimpse of a song that had been, until now, relegated to the annals of Beatles lore.

The Long-Awaited Debut of ‘Now and Then’

“Now and Then” was originally conceived in the mid-1970s but never fully realized. The track started as a John Lennon demo recorded in 1973, before his tragic death in 1980. The recording, made on a simple cassette tape, had long been considered a “lost” Beatles track. In the years that followed, various attempts were made to complete the song, but it wasn’t until recent technological advancements, including the use of AI to isolate and enhance Lennon’s voice, that the track was finally completed.

The song was initially slated for release as part of the Beatles’ 2023 anniversary celebrations, and its completion was met with great excitement. While the studio version of “Now and Then” was received with praise for its emotional depth and the seamless blend of the surviving Beatles’ contributions with Lennon’s isolated vocals, the prospect of hearing it live was a different kind of magic.

A Historic Performance

The performance of “Now and Then” was held during McCartney’s ongoing solo tour. Fans packed the venue, with many eager to witness the rare occurrence of a Beatles song being played live in this unique configuration. The emotional weight of the song’s lyrics, coupled with its historical significance, turned the concert into a celebration of Beatles’ legacy. McCartney, now 82 years old, exuded a sense of nostalgia and reverence as he approached the song’s debut.

As the lights dimmed, McCartney stepped onto the stage, accompanied by his current band members. The opening chords of “Now and Then” reverberated through the venue, with McCartney’s iconic bass guitar providing the backbone of the arrangement. But what truly captured the audience’s attention was the eerie, yet powerful presence of John Lennon’s voice, which was reconstructed and inserted into the song using advanced technology.

Lennon’s vocal track, recorded decades ago, was now placed into the live performance in a way that made it seem as if the band had somehow reunited for this singular moment. For Beatles fans, the sensation was nothing short of surreal. As McCartney sang alongside Lennon’s voice, it felt as though time had collapsed, and the two former bandmates were playing together once more.

The audience’s reaction was electric. The song, with its bittersweet lyrics and lush orchestration, was a fitting tribute to both Lennon and the Beatles’ timeless legacy. The performance was less a concert moment and more a ceremonial event, acknowledging the enduring impact of the Beatles and the unbreakable bond between the band’s members, even after decades of sephe Significance of ‘Now and Then’

“Now and Then” holds a unique place in the Beatles’ history. The song was initially part of a series of demos that Lennon had recorded on a cheap cassette player, meant to be worked on later. However, when Lennon died, the song was left unfinished. For years, it remained a haunting reminder of what could have been. The surviving Beatles – Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – had considered completing the track in the past, but various factors, including the band’s fractured relationships and the technical limitations of the time, made it impossible to fully realize the song.

It wasn’t until 2023, when McCartney, Starr, and the remaining Beatles’ estates decided to use modern technology to complete the song, that “Now and Then” finally saw the light of day. The decision to use AI to extract Lennon’s voice from the original demo and complete the track with the help of modern recording techniques was met with both excitement and controversy. While many fans appreciated the opportunity to hear a “new” Beatles song, others were skeptical about the use of AI to bring Lennon’s voice back to life.

However, the finished product – a song that echoes the classic Beatles sound while also exploring themes of loss, nostalgia, and the passage of time – resonated deeply with listeners. The song is a testament to the enduring power of the Beatles’ music, which continues to evolve and captivate new generations of fans, even decades after the band’s breakup.

McCartney’s Emotional Connection to the Song

For Paul McCartney, performing “Now and Then” live was likely an emotional experience. McCartney has often spoken about the deep bond he shared with his fellow Beatles, particularly Lennon, with whom he created some of the most iconic songs in rock history. The opportunity to sing alongside his late friend, even if it was through the use of technology, was a deeply moving moment for McCartney.

In interviews, McCartney has referred to the process of completing “Now and Then” as a way of honoring Lennon’s legacy. He has spoken about the joy and sadness he felt while working on the track, acknowledging that it was both a creative challenge and an emotional journey. The live performance, with its palpable sense of reverence for the past, seemed to be the culmination of that journey.

Throughout the performance, McCartney’s face was a mixture of concentration and reflection, his eyes often scanning the crowd as he played. It was clear that he was not just performing a song; he was reliving a moment in Beatles history. The song’s lyrics, with their reflections on time and memory, seemed to mirror McCartney’s own feelings about his place in the world of music and his ongoing role in carrying the torch of the Beatles’ legacy.

The Audience’s Reaction

The audience’s response to the live performance of “Now and Then” was nothing short of rapturous. Fans from all generations – from those who had grown up with The Beatles in the 1960s to younger fans who discovered the band through streaming services and documentaries – all seemed united in their appreciation for the moment. Many in the crowd could be seen wiping away tears, while others clapped along, swept up in the emotional power of the performance.

The moment was particularly meaningful for those who had followed the Beatles’ journey over the decades. For older fans, it was a reminder of their youth and the groundbreaking music that had shaped the world. For younger fans, it was a chance to witness a piece of history being brought to life in front of their eyes.

A Living Legacy

The live performance of “Now and Then” serves as a reminder that, while the Beatles as a band may no longer exist, their music continues to evolve. Through technology, the surviving members have been able to complete unfinished works, giving fans a glimpse into what could have been. But more than that, the performance of “Now and Then” underscores the enduring power of the Beatles’ music and the unbreakable bond between the band members.

Paul McCartney’s emotional performance was not just a tribute to Lennon, but to the legacy of The Beatles as a whole. As McCartney continues to tour and create new music, his connection to the past remains strong, and his role as one of the last living links to the Beatles’ era is one that he carries with grace and reverence.

The performance of “Now and Then” was a gift to fans and a testament to the lasting impact of The Beatles, who, even 50 years after their breakup, continue to captivate and inspire the world. The song may have been delayed, but its arrival – and its live debut – was more than worth the wait.