In a remarkable breakthrough, artificial intelligence (AI) has not only brought the Beatles back to life in their latest chart-topping hit but also offers hope in recovering John Lennon’s final interview, obscured by a Star Wars soundtrack. Filmmaker Peter Jackson used a cutting-edge AI tool known as ‘machine audio learning’ (MAL) to unveil John Lennon’s voice from an old 1970s home demo. The success of this technology in creating the “last Beatles song,” “Now and Then,” has captured the music world’s attention
The AI-powered resurrection of the beatles
Peter Jackson’s utilization of ‘machine audio learning’ (MAL) to breathe new life into the Beatles’ legacy is nothing short of groundbreaking. In a world first, this AI technology isolated John Lennon’s distinctive voice from a 1970s home demo recording. The result was a crystal-clear vocal performance, which served as the foundation for the chart-topping hit, “Now and Then.”
Enhancing Lennon’s voice with contributions from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison’s guitar recordings from 1995, the track climbed to the number one spot in the charts, marking The Beatles’ 18th chart-topper in the UK. This achievement also tied them with Elvis for having the greatest number of different songs reaching the top in the UK.
The impact and emotion
The success of “Now and Then” has reverberated through the music industry and touched the hearts of fans worldwide. Sir Paul McCartney expressed his astonishment, describing the news as “mind-boggling.” He added, “It’s also a very emotional moment for me. I love it!” The Beatles’ enduring popularity continues to set records and cement their status as the most iconic group in UK music history.
The lost interview and AI’s potential
While “Now and Then” has highlighted AI’s capabilities in music, the story doesn’t end there. Experts are now looking toward AI, specifically MAL, as a potential savior for John Lennon’s final interview. This historic interview was overshadowed by a Star Wars soundtrack, making it nearly impossible to decipher Lennon’s voice.
Machine audio learning has already proven its effectiveness in extracting and enhancing audio elements. With this tool at their disposal, experts are optimistic about the possibility of isolating Lennon’s voice from the obscured interview. The application of MAL to this task could unveil valuable insights and previously unheard words from the iconic Beatles star, shedding light on his thoughts and experiences just two months before his tragic murder.
Record-breaking achievements
The Beatles’ resurgence in the charts with “Now and Then” has broken records and solidified their status as legends. They have now accumulated 18 number one hits in the UK, surpassing Westlife (14) and Take That (12). Furthermore, they share the record with Elvis for the most diverse range of songs reaching the top spot in the UK.
Abbey road’s confusing legacy
As fans celebrate The Beatles’ latest achievement, some may find themselves at a loss while attempting to visit the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing. Transport for London (TfL) revealed that hundreds of bewildered visitors mistakenly end up at the wrong Abbey Road – a DLR station in Newham, east London, instead of the iconic west London crossing featured on the 1969 album cover.
This mix-up results in fans having to undertake a 40-minute journey across the city to reach the genuine Abbey Road. TfL’s figures show that since the start of 2021, 2,411 trips have been made between the DLR station and the Jubilee Tube line stop at St John’s Wood, primarily by Beatles enthusiasts. To assist these lost travelers, TfL has erected a board with instructions to guide them to the real venue, offering a humorous nod to The Beatles’ classic songs with phrases like “Feel like you’ve been here, there, and everywhere?” and “We can work it out.”
The intersection of artificial intelligence and music has yielded extraordinary results, with “Now and Then” exemplifying the power of MAL to revive the Beatles’ music. Now, experts are hopeful that this same technology can salvage John Lennon’s final interview, offering a unique glimpse into his world just before his untimely death. The Beatles’ recent chart-topping success and their continued impact on music reaffirm their legendary status, while the humorous mix-up at Abbey Road serves as a reminder of their enduring popularity and cultural significance. With AI pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of music, the future holds exciting possibilities for both artists and fans alike.
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