In a groundbreaking moment for the music industry, The Beatles have secured the Best Rock Performance award at the 2025 Grammy Awards for their song “Now and Then,” a track completed with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). This achievement not only adds to the legendary band’s accolades but also signifies a pivotal integration of technology and artistry in modern music production.
Unearthing “Now and Then”
Originally penned by John Lennon in the late 1970s, “Now and Then” remained unfinished for decades. In the 1990s, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr attempted to complete the track but faced technical challenges, particularly with the quality of Lennon’s original demo, which included background noise and a persistent hum. These obstacles led to the project’s abandonment at that time.
The Role of AI in Restoration
The revival of “Now and Then” became possible through advancements in AI technology. In 2021, filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team developed machine-learning tools capable of isolating and enhancing specific elements within audio recordings. This technology was initially utilized in the production of the documentary “The Beatles: Get Back” to separate individual instruments and vocals from archival footage.
Applying this AI-driven process to Lennon’s demo, the team successfully extracted and cleaned up his vocals and piano parts, removing unwanted noise and clarifying the sound. This allowed McCartney and Starr to add new instrumentation and vocals, effectively completing the song while preserving its original essence.
Release and Reception
“Now and Then” was released in November 2023, quickly capturing the attention of both fans and critics. The track was lauded for seamlessly blending the classic Beatles sound with contemporary production techniques. Listeners appreciated the opportunity to hear a “new” Beatles song decades after the band’s dissolution, with Lennon’s emotive vocals at the forefront.
The song’s success culminated in winning the Best Rock Performance category at the 2025 Grammy Awards, surpassing other notable nominees such as Green Day and Pearl Jam. This victory marked The Beatles’ eighth Grammy win and underscored the innovative use of AI in music restoration and production.
Industry Implications
The accomplishment of “Now and Then” has ignited discussions about the role of AI in the creative process. While some purists express concern over the use of technology in art, others view it as a valuable tool for preserving and enhancing existing works. Paul McCartney addressed these viewpoints, clarifying that the AI was used solely to clean up and isolate Lennon’s original recordings, without generating any new artificial content. He emphasized that the essence of the song remains authentically rooted in the band’s original performance.
This milestone sets a precedent for future projects where AI could assist in restoring and completing unfinished works by other artists, offering new avenues for creativity while honoring the original creators’ intentions.
A Historic Moment
The Grammy win for “Now and Then” not only adds to The Beatles’ storied legacy but also highlights the evolving landscape of music production. It demonstrates how technology, when thoughtfully applied, can serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing timeless art to be experienced anew by contemporary audiences.
As the music industry continues to explore the integration of AI, “Now and Then” stands as a testament to the harmonious possibilities that emerge when innovation and tradition converge.
References
The Beatles win Best Rock Performance for “Now and Then” at 2025 Grammys. (2025, February 2). Pitchfork. Retrieved from https://pitchfork.com/news/the-beatles-win-best-rock-performance-for-now-and-then-at-2025-grammys/
That AI-restored Beatles song won Grammy for Best Rock Performance. (2025, February 3). The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/news/604970/beatles-ai-restored-song-now-and-then-grammy-win
The Beatles win Grammy for “Now and Then” with help of artificial intelligence. (2025, February 3). Yahoo News. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/news/beatles-win-grammy-now-then-204021808.html