The Beatles ‘Now and Then’ bought by John Lennon

The Beatles released their “last” song, “Now and Then,” on November 2. John Lennon was first in line to buy it (yes, you read that right).

First customer

One Beatles super-fan, Alan Williams, who changed his name by deed poll to John Lennon, bought the first copy of “Now and Then” at a midnight release event in Liverpool. Pictures surfaced of Williams purchasing the Beatles' “last” song as he donned Lennon's signature round glasses and his iconic New York City photo on his shirt.

The Daily Mail detailed this midnight event. 200 fans in Liverpool were allowed into the store to be first to buy the single in either clear, blue, or black vinyl.

“Now and Then” is dubbed as the “last” Beatles song. It spawned from home demo sessions done by John Lennon in the 70s. The remaining Fab Four — Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison — attempted to finish it along with “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love” in the 90s for their Anthology album.

While the first two were completed, “Now and Then” was left unfinished. Nearly three decades later, the remaining two Beatles, McCartney and Starr, finished the song. They got a little help from the Lord of the Rings and The Beatles: Get Back director Peter Jackson (and AI). McCartney and Starr added new lyrics and did overdubs from Lennon's cleaned-up vocals and Harrison's leftover guitar parts.

“Now and Then” was released as a single on November 2. “Love Me Do,” the Beatles' first single, serves as the single's B-side.