Introduction
Legendary musician Sir Paul McCartney has deeply moved audiences after performing what is considered the final Beatles song during his current tour.
At 82, the former Beatle is leading the Got Back tour, set to travel across South America, the UK, and Europe in the coming weeks. Ahead of the tour’s launch, Sir Paul released a behind-the-scenes montage of his preparations, which included rehearsals for a song that’s stirred strong emotions among fans—Now and Then.
The track, which was completed with the help of AI technology, was performed live for the first time during the tour’s opening night at Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Originally recorded as a rough demo by John Lennon in 1977, Now and Then remained unfinished for decades. Thanks to modern technology, Lennon’s vocals—recovered from an old cassette—were isolated and cleaned using AI, allowing Paul McCartney to complete the song as a tribute alongside surviving Beatles members.
Sir Paul performs the song as a touching duet with the late Lennon, singing lines like: “Now and then, I miss you.” The track also features archived guitar recordings from George Harrison, who passed away in 2001, and new contributions from Ringo Starr.
Fans have expressed how emotionally powerful the moment was. A video of the performance was posted on YouTube, prompting heartfelt comments:
“I was there, I cried a lot with this song,” shared one fan.
“Can’t hold back my tears. Seeing Paul singing the last Beatles song live puts the perfect bookend to my lifelong love of those four boys from Liverpool,” commented another.
“So moving. What a delight and privilege to hear Paul McCartney sing this live in 2024,” one viewer added.
Many fans admitted to being brought to tears, calling the performance unforgettable. The emotion tied to the song stems not just from the music itself, but from the legacy of the Beatles and the nostalgia it evokes.
Leading up to the performance, McCartney had addressed concerns about AI, clarifying that nothing artificial was created. Instead, he explained that engineers used AI tools to clean and separate Lennon’s original voice recordings, a process that had been in development for years.
Now and Then had previously been shelved due to incomplete lyrics and production challenges. At one point, Harrison reportedly dismissed the song as “rubbish.” But with modern technology and a renewed dedication to honoring their late bandmate, Paul and Ringo brought the piece to life at last.
Since its official release last year, the song has been warmly received by both longtime Beatles fans and new listeners alike.
Alongside Now and Then, other Beatles classics featured in the tour preview video included I’ve Got a Feeling, Helter Skelter, and Carry That Weight.
“From the rehearsal room… to a city near you,” McCartney wrote. “Here’s a taste of what’s to come as we get ready to rock and roll on the 2024 GOT BACK tour!”
The Got Back tour began on October 1 in Montevideo and continues through South America before reaching Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.
In the UK, Sir Paul will perform two shows at the Manchester Co-op Live venue on December 14 and 15, concluding the tour at London’s O2 Arena on December 18 and 19.
While some fans in Liverpool expressed disappointment over the lack of hometown dates, others noted that Manchester is nearby and appreciated the opportunity to see him perform in the region—his first time since 2011.
This tour not only brings Beatles nostalgia to life but also showcases the remarkable way technology and heartfelt artistry can intersect. For many, seeing McCartney sing Lennon’s voice into the present isn’t just a performance—it’s a moment in music history.