Release date confirmed for last ever Beatles song - Now and Then, sung by John Lennon

The Beatles have confirmed the release date of their final song. Titled ‘Now And Then’, the track’s demo was written and sung by John Lennon is his New York home and later developed alongside the other band members including George Harrison.

Now, almost 50 years after the demo was originally recorded, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr have completed what they are calling ‘the last Beatles song’.

Years after his death in 1980, John Lennon’s wife Yoko Ono gave the recording to the remaining Beatles in 1994 - along with Free As A Bird and Real Love, which were released by the band.

Harrison, McCartney and Starr then recorded new parts and completed a rough mix with producer and musician Jeff Lynne. Special technology was able to isolate Lennon’s voice and add in recordings of Harrison, who died in 2001, playing the guitar back in 1995.

Sir Ringo’s drum part was added alongside bass, guitar, piano and a slide guitar solo by Sir Paul, inspired by Harrison, as well as vocals.

Sir Paul said the track is a ‘genuine Beatles recording’ adding, ‘there it was, John’s voice, crystal clear’.

“It was the closest we’ll ever come to having him back in the room so it was very emotional for all of us. It was like John was there, you know. It’s far out,” added Sir Ringo.

Now and Then will be released worldwide on Thursday, November 2 at 2.00pm GMT, 10.00am EDT and 7.00am PDT. A 12-minute documentary, with commentary from Sir Ringo and Sir Paul will be released with the new song. The music video will follow on November 3.

Pre-order is now available for cassettes and vinyls, as well as merchandise.