Paul McCartney kicked off his 2024 concert tour with a memorable performance at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay. The highlight of the night was when he surprised the audience by debuting the song “Now and Then” midway through his set.
“Now and Then” is a poignant piano ballad that was originally captured by John Lennon on a tape recorder in 1977 at his New York apartment building. The tape, along with other recordings like “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” was given to the surviving Beatles by Yoko Ono in 1994 for possible inclusion in the Beatles Anthology box sets. However, due to the poor audio quality of the Lennon demo, the song was shelved.
It wasn’t until 2022 that new technology developed for the Get Back movie project allowed the Beatles to revisit “Now and Then.” With the help of Peter Jackson’s team, they were able to enhance the audio quality, isolate Lennon’s vocals, and re-record parts of the song. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr added new drums and vocals, while guitar parts from George Harrison recorded in 1995 were also incorporated.
The track was co-produced by Giles Martin, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the authentic Beatles sound. The goal was not to create a novelty tribute but to stay true to the essence of the band. The addition of background vocals from classic Beatles songs like “Because,” “Eleanor Rigby,” and “Here, There and Everywhere” further enhanced the nostalgic feel of the track.
McCartney’s live rendition of “Now and Then” features a stripped-down arrangement with him singing solo on the piano. The performance is complemented by archival Beatles footage and elements from the official music video, providing a glimpse into the creation of the song.
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During the concert, a virtual duet between Lennon and McCartney was performed on “I’ve Got a Feeling,” using footage from the Beatles’ iconic 1969 rooftop concert. This has become a staple at McCartney’s shows since 2022, showcasing the enduring legacy of the band. The evening concluded with a medley of “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End” from the classic album Abbey Road.
The tour will continue on October 5 at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before traveling across South and Central America throughout October and November. The final stop is scheduled for Mexico City on November 17, followed by a series of arena shows in Europe in December. As of now, there is no confirmation of any concerts in 2025.
FAQs
What inspired Paul McCartney to perform “Now and Then” for the first time in 2024?
Paul McCartney’s decision to debut “Now and Then” during his 2024 concert tour was influenced by the advancements in technology that allowed for the enhancement of the original recording. The opportunity to revisit the song with improved audio quality and additional contributions from the surviving Beatles made it the perfect time to showcase the track live.
How did the Beatles approach the production of “Now and Then” in 2022?
In 2022, the Beatles, with the help of Peter Jackson’s team, utilized new technology to remove the hiss and isolate John Lennon’s vocals from the original recording of “Now and Then.” Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr then recorded new drums and vocals, while guitar parts from George Harrison were incorporated to complete the track. The goal was to maintain the authenticity of the Beatles’ sound while enhancing the overall quality of the song.
What role did Giles Martin play in the production of “Now and Then”?
Giles Martin, the co-producer of “Now and Then,” was instrumental in ensuring that the song retained the essence of a classic Beatles track. His focus was on preserving the original sound of the band without modernizing it unnecessarily. By incorporating background vocals from other Beatles songs and staying true to the band’s harmonies, Martin helped create a seamless blend of old and new in the final production.
What can fans expect from Paul McCartney’s 2024 concert tour?
Fans attending Paul McCartney’s 2024 concert tour can look forward to a mix of classic Beatles hits, solo favorites, and potentially some surprises like the debut of “Now and Then.” The tour promises to be a nostalgic journey through McCartney’s legendary career, with a focus on delivering memorable performances and showcasing the enduring legacy of the Beatles.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
