For Paul McCartney, performing “Now and Then,” the last song credited to the Beatles, has been nothing short of a deeply emotional experience.
“It’s really great,” McCartney shared in a recent interview with The Mirror. “When you introduce a new song, even though it’s an old song, like ‘Now and Then,’ the first reaction is, people aren’t quite sure what it is or what you’re doing. But during the run of the concerts, they get the idea. The word gets out on the internet.”
Over time, the audience response has evolved into something far more enthusiastic. “Now the reaction is really strong, and for us it’s great to play because it’s a nice song to play,” he continued. “And for me, it’s particularly great because it’s a John song. And so it’s very emotional for me. I love it. I love doing it, and the audience seem to love it too.”
“Now and Then” was born from a demo tape John Lennon recorded before his tragic death. The surviving Beatles first attempted to complete the track during the Anthology sessions in the 1990s, but technical limitations made Lennon’s vocals unusable. Modern AI technology finally allowed the song to be finished, leading to its release last November.
The result is not just a nostalgic landmark but a critical success, earning nominations for both Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance at the upcoming 67th Grammy Awards.
The poignant nature of “Now and Then” has been evident during McCartney’s recent performances. At his Dec. 15 concert in Manchester, the 82-year-old was visibly moved after playing the song, wiping away tears and gesturing appreciatively to the crowd.
McCartney’s 2024 tour is set to conclude with two final shows at London’s O2 Arena on Dec. 18 and 19, just in time for the holiday season. “We finish it up around Christmas time,” McCartney confirmed to The Mirror. “So that’s exciting. We’re looking forward to London, and then that will finish this tour, and we’ll all be very glad to have a nice Christmas holiday.”
For McCartney, revisiting the legacy of the Beatles in such a personal way has proven to be both a professional triumph and a heartfelt tribute. As fans join him in embracing this final chapter of the Beatles’ story, the enduring magic of the band lives on, both onstage and in the hearts of those who cherish their music.
