After The Beatles disbanded, John Lennon recorded several songs on cassette in the mid-1970s. These songs held great sentimental value, as they were a reflection of his creative expression during a tumultuous time in his life.

Tragically, Lennon’s life was cut short in 1980, leaving behind a legacy of music and inspiration. His grieving widow, Yoko Ono, made the decision to entrust these precious cassette tapes to Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the surviving members of the iconic band.

The surviving trio recognized the weight of the responsibility placed upon them. They understood that these tapes contained unheard treasures, fragments of Lennon’s soul that deserved to be heard by the world.

With great reverence and dedication, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr embarked on a journey to bring these songs to life. They began by resurrecting and reviving two of the songs, “Real Love” and “Free As a Bird,” which were released to the public.

These tracks were met with overwhelming appreciation and love from fans worldwide. However, they knew that there was one more gem hidden within the confines of Lennon’s recordings – a song called “Now And Then.”

The road to completing “Now And Then” was far from easy. Technical obstacles stood in their way, hindering their efforts to properly isolate Lennon’s vocals from his piano. Despite their best efforts, the song remained unfinished and untouched, gathering dust in a forgotten cupboard. It seemed as though this piece of musical history would forever remain a mystery.

But fate had other plans. In 2022, a stroke of serendipity brought a glimmer of hope. Filmmaker Peter Jackson, renowned for his masterful storytelling and passion for preserving history, developed a software system during the production of the documentary series “Get Back.” This revolutionary technology proved to be the key that unlocked the door to “Now And Then.”

It allowed for the uncoupling of Lennon’s vocal from his piano, breathing new life into the original recording. Suddenly, the song was reborn, and the four Beatles could once again collaborate, even across the boundaries of time.

McCartney, Harrison, and Starr each contributed their immense talent and creativity to complete the vision that Lennon had started so many years ago. They meticulously fine-tuned every detail, ensuring that Lennon’s voice resonated through the swirling melodies and poignant lyrics.

With the completion of the song came the realization that it deserved a visual accompaniment. Peter Jackson, armed with a treasure trove of forgotten film footage from the 1995 recording sessions, embarked on the task of directing the accompanying music video.

Immersed in the footage, Jackson felt inspired to create not just a music video but a compelling short movie that would bring the essence of “Now And Then” to life. The music video became a tribute to the enduring legacy of The Beatles, capturing their camaraderie, passion, and unwavering commitment to their craft.

It showcased the bond between McCartney, Harrison, and Starr, as they passionately worked to honor their fallen bandmate. Jackson’s mastery of storytelling and visual aesthetics elevated the music video to a work of art, giving viewers a glimpse into the magic that unfolded during the recording of “Now And Then.”

In the end, the release of “Now And Then” on November 2, 2023, marked a triumph of perseverance, technological advancements, and an unbreakable bond between the members of The Beatles. This long-awaited treasure exemplified the timeless nature of their music, reminding the world once again of the genius that resided within each of them.

The completion of this musical masterpiece was a testament to the enduring love and devotion the band had for their craft, as well as their unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of John Lennon.

Here’s a short film about the whole process.