THE BEATLES - NOW AND THEN
The Beatles. We all know the name because they’re credited as not only the first but also the greatest, most popular, rock band of all time. They essentially introduced rock music to England after it began to boom in the West and ever since their first hit, ‘Love Me Do’, the names John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr have been held in the highest regard when it comes to music.
Growing up, The Beatles were a family-favorite. I never quite understood the appeal until recent years, which is a bittersweet thing. As of 2023, only two members remain. This means no new music...or not.
On October 26th, The Beatles’ official Instagram announced that the very last vaulted song would finally be released. It appears to be an extension onto their ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ albums, written/sung by John and developed by the other three band members. On November 2nd, just 27 days short of the 22 year anniversary of George’s death, ‘Now and Then’ was released into the world.
‘Now and Then’ is a crucially significant song when you take a look at the current state of The Beatles. “Now and then. I miss you. Oh, now and then. I want you to be there for me.” Lennon and McCartney sing in the chorus. With the passings of Lennon and Harrison, the lyricism is heartfelt and gut wrenching on accident.
As a huge George Harrison fan, it was almost unsettling to hear his vocalizations on the track during the bridge. Harrison, who died in 2002, left a large impact on music even outside of The Beatles. His solo career took off and his 1970 album ‘All Things Must Pass’ has become a staple record amongst classic rock lovers and those alike. I even got the album title tattooed on myself, if that says anything. His guitar work with this song is minimal in comparison to other hits such as ‘While my Guitar Gently Weeps’ but it fits well with the general solemnity of ‘Now and Then’.
Apart from Harrison’s contributions to the song, I feel it is important to acknowledge McCartney’s as well. McCartney, the bassist, is still thriving at the age of 81. Post-Beatles, he did plenty of solo work and collaborations that earned him vast credibility just like Harrison. Though George will always be my favorite Beatle, I can’t disregard the fact that Paul McCartney is one of the greatest musicians and businessmen of our time. His work on bass is always nothing short of phenomenal and its prominence is always such a treat, especially now after all this time and growth has passed for him and his career.
‘Now and Then’ poses as a curtain closing for The Beatles. The band broke up in the early 1970s but each member has still remained close with a mutual respect for the craft of music they developed, both individually and as a unit. John and George have passed on to a new realm meanwhile Paul and Ringo are settling down as they find comfort in their eighties with a whole life of action, love, experience, and ground-breaking innovation behind them. The music of The Beatles will live on for its popularity and influence, carrying on the legacies of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon forever.