On November 8, 2024, the Grammy spotlight turned to The Beatles once again as their track “Now and Then” secured nominations for two prestigious awards: Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance. Interestingly, amidst the accolades, John Lennon finds himself absent from the nominees list. Due to Grammy rules, which stipulate that recordings must be made within five years of their release, Lennon and fellow bandmate George Harrison, who passed away in 1980 and 2001 respectively, are not eligible. Instead, the nomination honors solely the two surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
“Now and Then,” a song that seemed to close the chapter of The Beatles’ saga, originally began with a demo from Lennon in the late 1970s. Fast forward to the present, McCartney and Starr, assisted by producer Giles Martin, son of the iconic George Martin, revived this track using groundbreaking technology developed for Peter Jackson’s documentary project. This technology allowed Lennon’s voice to be isolated from its original recording with impressive clarity. It’s seen as a heartfelt nod to Lennon’s band members, his final words to McCartney being ‘Think of me now and then, old friend.’
Producer Martin noted, “It is a brilliant sort of ending song. It does sound like John’s love letter, almost.” He expressed that the song felt like Lennon writing to all The Beatles. Initially, work on “Now and Then” was started during the 1990s for The Beatles Anthology project, but it was shelved by Harrison, who wasn’t fond of it back then. In 2023, the song was revitalized with contributions from all four Beatles, integrating Lennon’s vocal takes, Harrison’s guitar from the ’90s sessions, and new parts by McCartney and Starr.
Interestingly, McCartney added a new slide guitar solo, paying homage to Harrison’s style, while the arrangement gracefully borrowed vocals from classics like “Because,” “Here, There and Everywhere,” and “Eleanor Rigby.” Martin emphasized keeping everything ephemeral yet quintessentially Beatles by collaborating on the arrangement with McCartney and Ben Foster.
The Grammy nod signifies more than just a recognition. If “Now and Then” clinches the Record of the Year, McCartney will achieve a rare sweep of the Grammys’ Big Four awards. The Beatles face tough contenders, from Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, in both categories.
McCartney remarked that releasing a new Beatles song in 2023 was undeniably exhilarating, a genuine Beatles recording reverberating with nostalgia and artistry. Meanwhile, Starr’s approach remains as it always has: instinctive and true to his mates. “This is what I do,” he said, capturing the enduring spirit of The Beatles’ camaraderie.
As the Grammy Awards approach on February 2, 2025, The Beatles stand poised at a crossroads of nostalgia and celebration. While Lennon and Harrison may not be officially acknowledged in the Grammy nominations, the essence of “Now and Then” ensures their legacy is vibrantly alive. The track not only highlights the timelessness of The Beatles’ music but also underscores the technological marvels that have allowed their art to transcend time.
Source: Forbes
