I’m not sure just how Peter Jackson, Paul, Ringo and everyone else connected to the making of this music video could have improved upon the video accompaniment to Now And Then. The emotional nature of the song and it’s theme is perfectly represented by Jackson’s mesmerising visualisations … the unseen footage, the 1995 session footage and the current film of Paul and Ringo joined by previous iterations of themselves and John and George is simply fabulous!

This weeks events have proved, yet again, that music can provoke emotions deep inside us all. John’s vocal introduction, now with a beautiful silhouette of John looking over a sunset past is enough to reduce many to tears, myself included. While tugging on our heartstrings could alone be enough of a sensory blast delivered by Jackson he additionally and very cleverly serves up a dose of humour too. Seeing all four Beatles from their ‘Hello, Goodbye’ era incarnations goofing around with present day Paul and Ringo is more than enough to distract from the earlier sombre tones, seeing two Ringo’s drumming together in perfect time is great.

As the song nears the end the tone changes for one last time as the Beatles collectively and then individually regress from their 1969 versions back through time to their 1962ish leather clad versions [courtesy of Roag and Pete Best]. The poignant finale sees the individual Beatles passing further backwards to their child interpretations before the 1964 Beatles take their final bow and fade entirely leaving the stage empty.

The intro documentary on Wednesday, the song itself on Thursday and now Friday’s Video release have served up beautiful “Wow” moments that were unexpected but so welcome in a world that over recent years has delivered challenges, hardship and terror. If the world ever needed the Beatles it is now. So thank you John, Paul, George and Ringo.

Peace And Love.

Gwyn Jenkins.