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More than five decades after their breakup, The Beatles are still making history. At the 2024 Grammy Awards, their song "Now and Then" won the award for Best Rock Performance, marking their first Grammy win since 1997. The track, dubbed "the last Beatles song" by Paul McCartney, brought John Lennon's voice back to life with the help of artificial intelligence and showcased the enduring magic of the Fab Four.
Originally recorded as a demo by Lennon in the 1970s, "Now and Then" remained unfinished for decades. In the 1990s, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr attempted to complete it, but the technology at the time couldn't properly separate Lennon's vocals from the background noise. The project was shelved—until now.
Using AI-assisted sound restoration, McCartney and Starr were able to extract Lennon's voice with stunning clarity, allowing them to finally complete the song. The result was a moving tribute to the band's legacy, featuring newly recorded elements from McCartney and Starr, along with Harrison's archived guitar work.
Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, accepted the Grammy on behalf of the band. He acknowledged the Beatles' lasting impact on music and culture, stating, "I feel like the world can't afford to forget about people like The Beatles. We need this music in this world. We need peace and love."
The Beatles' Grammy victory is a testament to their unmatched influence on music. From winning Best New Artist in 1965 to their Album of the Year win for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, their contributions continue to shape rock and pop music today.
With "Now and Then," The Beatles have achieved what few bands ever could—releasing a new hit decades after their breakup. Their music remains, as their song says, "here, there, and everywhere."
