
The Beatles, What was the Beatles last Song? (Now and then) Released on Thursday,is billed by it’s label, apple corps as the last Beatles song…
“Now and Then”: The Beatles’ Final Song
Released on Thursday, November 2, 2023, “Now and Then” stands as a poignant and historic farewell from The Beatles. Billed by their label, Apple Corps, as “the last Beatles song,” it features all four members—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—brought together through a blend of archival recordings and modern technology.
The song originates from a late 1970s demo recorded by John Lennon at his New York apartment. For years, the track remained unfinished due to technical limitations and background noise on the cassette. In the mid-1990s, during the Beatles’ Anthology project, Paul, George, and Ringo attempted to complete it, but the quality of Lennon’s vocal recording proved too poor. The project was shelved—until now.
Thanks to advanced audio restoration developed by Peter Jackson’s team during the Get Back documentary production, Lennon’s vocals were finally separated and cleaned with stunning clarity. Paul and Ringo then added new instrumentation, with McCartney contributing bass, piano, and a string arrangement, and Starr on drums. Harrison’s guitar, recorded during the ’90s sessions, was also incorporated, ensuring the track genuinely features all four Beatles.
“Now and Then” is not just a song—it’s a time capsule and a final message from a band that forever changed music. It’s steeped in melancholy, reflecting on lost love and passing time, making it a fitting coda to The Beatles’ legacy.
Accompanied by a moving short film and a Giles Martin mix, “Now and Then” marks the end of an era. More than five decades after their breakup, The Beatles have given fans one final moment of harmony—a reminder of their timeless sound and unmatched impact on music history.