Final Beatles song to feature original cover art by Ed Ruscha.
Ed Ruscha, cover art for The Beatles’s “Now and Then,” 2023. Courtesy of Apple Corps Ltd/Capitol/UMe.
Almost 50 years after their breakup, The Beatles will release their final song, “Now and Then,” on November 2nd. The historic release will feature original cover art from renowned artist Ed Ruscha.
John Lennon originally recorded the song—along with “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” which were released by the band in the mid-90s—at his apartment shortly before he died. However, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr faced technical challenges when mixing “Now and Then,” making it impossible to release until now.
Portrait of The Beatles, 1968. © Apple Corps Ltd. Courtesy of Apple Corps Ltd.
Ed Ruscha, known for his text-based, thought-provoking art, is the subject of a landmark exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, entitled “NOW THEN.” The exhibition title, while similar to The Beatles’ track name, also references the artist’s 2005 book “Then & Now.” The MoMA show features over 200 works across various mediums—from painting and drawing to prints, photography, and installation pieces using unconventional materials, exploring the shifts over his six-decade career.
Ruscha’s cover art for “Now and Then” takes his characteristic approach, mixing text and imagery to evoke emotional response. Previously, the artist has produced cover artwork for Paul McCartney (McCartney III, 2020) and Mason Williams (Music, 1969).
