On 2 November, the world-famous English band the Beatles released their latest single, ‘Now and Then’. This is an incredible feat, considering the Beatles broke up in 1970. Let’s take a step back to understand how this came about.
The Beatles are considered the most influential rock band of all time. Its members were four boys from Liverpool: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Their debut album was released in 1963, and their final one came out in 1970. During that short period, they experimented with numerous musical genres. They combined elements of traditional pop with classical music, and their songs ranged from ballads to hard rock, from folk to avant-garde. In sum, they revolutionized popular music.
After the Beatles disbanded, its four members continued making music separately. Tragically, John Lennon was murdered by a mentally unstable man in 1980. In 1994, the three remaining Beatles got together to complete a few unpublished songs that Lennon had begun recording. They managed to release two, ‘Free as a Bird’ and ‘Real Love’. A third, ‘Now and Then’, remained unfinished due to a loud electric hum that interfered with Lennon’s vocals. Years passed before a new computer technology made it possible to clean up the recording. McCartney and Starr worked to flesh out the song. Harrison had died of cancer in 2001, but a guitar recording of his from 1995 was usable.
‘Now and Then’ reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, 54 years after the Beatles’ previous number one hit. It also became this century’s fastest-selling vinyl single. Most importantly, it is an unexpected but genuine gem from the greatest band of all time.
1) What is your favourite song? What is it about? Does it evoke any significant moments from your life?
2) John Lennon was a peace advocate, and many of his songs reflected his commitment to the cause. In your opinion, can art, such as music, change the world for the better? Explain.
(Carlo Dellonte)
(Image: Wikimedia Commons; Wikimedia Commons)
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