On February 3, 2025, history was made at the Grammy Awards when The Beatles secured their eighth competitive Grammy, not just for their timeless artistry but also with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Their track, “Now and Then,” originally a demo by John Lennon, was posthumously completed and released in 2023 using groundbreaking AI technology. This achievement marks the first time a song created with AI assistance has won a Grammy, specifically in the category of Best Rock Performance.
The award was accepted by Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son, on behalf of the band, adding an emotional touch to an already remarkable moment. The song triumphed over strong contenders like Green Day, Pearl Jam, The Black Keys, Idles, and St. Vincent.
The Origins of “Now and Then”
1. John Lennon’s Original Demo (Late 1970s)
“Now and Then” began as an unfinished demo recorded by John Lennon at his New York apartment in the late 1970s. The demo featured Lennon’s vocals accompanied by a simple piano melody, recorded on a lo-fi cassette tape. After Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, the tape remained in the possession of Yoko Ono, who later handed it over to the surviving Beatles members during the mid-1990s.
2. The Beatles Anthology Project (1995-1996)
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr attempted to complete “Now and Then” during the production of The Beatles Anthology series, which also saw the release of “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love”—other Lennon demos that were successfully reworked.
However, technical limitations at the time made it impossible to cleanly separate Lennon’s vocals from the background noise and piano. Despite their best efforts, the song was shelved, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
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How AI Helped Complete the Song
1. The Role of Peter Jackson’s Sound Team
Fast forward to 2021, when filmmaker Peter Jackson, known for directing “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, became involved. Jackson’s team had developed machine learning technology while working on the acclaimed Beatles documentary “Get Back”, which meticulously restored old Beatles footage and audio.
This technology, often referred to as “demixing AI”, is capable of:
- Isolating vocals and instruments from mono recordings
- Reducing background noise
- Enhancing the clarity of degraded audio
Unlike generative AI, which creates new content from scratch, this technology focused on restoring and enhancing existing recordings.
2. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s Final Touches
With Lennon’s vocals now crystal clear, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr returned to the studio to add their contributions. McCartney recorded new bass and vocal harmonies, while Starr laid down fresh drum tracks. Interestingly, George Harrison’s guitar parts, recorded during the 1995 sessions, were preserved, making “Now and Then” a true four-member Beatles collaboration, even decades after Harrison’s passing in 2001.
McCartney addressed concerns about the use of AI, stating:
“To be clear, nothing has been artificially or synthetically created. It’s all real, and we all play on it. We cleaned up some existing recordings—a process which has gone on for years.”
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The Release of “Now and Then” (2023)
When “Now and Then” was finally released in 2023, it was met with both critical acclaim and public fascination. The song captured the essence of The Beatles’ timeless sound while showcasing how technology could breathe new life into old recordings.
Chart Performance and Public Reception
- Billboard Hot 100: The song debuted in the top 10, a rare achievement for a band that debuted in the 1960s.
- Streaming Platforms: “Now and Then” amassed over 100 million streams within the first month of release.
- Global Impact: Fans across generations celebrated the song as a bridge between the past and the future of music.
While many praised the track, there was some backlash online regarding AI’s involvement. Some fans and critics mistakenly believed the vocals were artificially generated. However, McCartney’s clarification helped ease these concerns, emphasizing that the technology was used purely for restoration, not creation.
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Winning the Grammy for Best Rock Performance
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, “Now and Then” was awarded Best Rock Performance, making it the first song created with AI assistance to receive this honor. This win is significant for several reasons:
- It represents a milestone for AI in the music industry.
- It adds to The Beatles’ legendary legacy, showing their continued relevance in modern music.
- It opens the door for future collaborations between technology and artistry.
Sean Lennon, accepting the award on behalf of The Beatles, delivered an emotional speech:
“This song is not just a tribute to my father but a testament to how technology can preserve art for future generations.”
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The Technology Behind the AI Restoration
1. Understanding Machine Learning in Music
The AI used for “Now and Then” is based on machine learning, a subset of AI that enables computers to learn from data. In this case, the AI was trained to:
- Recognize different audio frequencies
- Separate vocals from instruments
- Enhance audio quality without altering the original performance
2. Demystifying the Role of AI in Music
It’s important to differentiate between:
- Restorative AI: Enhances existing recordings (as used in “Now and Then”).
- Generative AI: Creates new music, mimicking an artist’s style (not used in this case).
The confusion between these two types of AI sparked online debates, but the Grammy win highlighted the potential for ethical AI applications in music.
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Conclusion: A New Era for Music and Technology
The success of “Now and Then” is more than just another Grammy win for The Beatles. It symbolizes the fusion of art and technology, proving that even decades-old recordings can find new life with the right tools.
While some may view AI with skepticism, this project shows that when used ethically, AI can preserve, restore, and enhance human creativity without replacing it. As we move forward, the legacy of “Now and Then” will inspire not only musicians but also technologists, reminding us that the past and the future can coexist in perfect harmony.
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FAQs About the AI-Restored Beatles Song
1. What is the AI-restored Beatles song?
The song is “Now and Then,” originally a John Lennon demo completed with AI technology and released in 2023.
2. How did AI help in creating “Now and Then”?
AI was used to isolate and enhance John Lennon’s vocals from a lo-fi demo, allowing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to complete the song.
3. Did AI create any new parts of the song?
No, all vocals and instruments are performed by The Beatles. AI was only used to clean up existing recordings.
4. Is “Now and Then” the first AI-assisted song to win a Grammy?
Yes, it’s the first song created with AI assistance to win a Grammy, earning Best Rock Performance in 2025.
5. Who accepted the Grammy for “Now and Then”?
Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son, accepted the award on behalf of The Beatles.
6. How does the AI used in “Now and Then” differ from generative AI?
The AI used was restorative, focusing on enhancing existing recordings, unlike generative AI, which creates new content.
7. Was there any backlash regarding AI’s involvement?
Yes, some people were confused, thinking AI had created new vocals, but Paul McCartney clarified that AI only helped with audio restoration.
8. Who developed the AI technology for the song?
The AI was developed by Peter Jackson’s sound team, initially for the Beatles documentary “Get Back.”
9. Did George Harrison contribute to “Now and Then”?
Yes, his guitar parts were recorded during the 1995 sessions and included in the final version.
10. What’s the significance of “Now and Then” winning a Grammy?
It’s a historic milestone, blending classic artistry with modern technology, and showcasing the future of music production.