In a new interview with AP News, the legendary drummer offered fresh details about the much-discussed song, which will reportedly be the last to feature all four Beatles—John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Originally announced by Sir Paul McCartney earlier this year, the song utilises AI technology to integrate demo recordings from the late John Lennon and George Harrison with new contributions from McCartney and Starr. This unique approach enables a posthumous reunion of the Fab Four more than four decades after Lennon’s death.
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“The rumours were that we just made it up. Like we would do that anyway… This is the last track, ever, that you’ll get the four Beatles on the track,” said Starr, adding, “It should’ve been out already.”
AI’s role in the project has been the subject of some debate, but both Starr and McCartney have been keen to allay fans’ fears. “It’s not down to AI… It’s not like we’re pretending anything. That is actually John’s voice, Paul’s voice and bass playing, George on rhythm guitar and me on drums,” Starr stated in the interview.
Reiterating this sentiment, McCartney said, “nothing has been artificially or synthetically created. It’s all real and we all play on it.”
As the debate rages on about the ethical implications of using AI in creative work, the final Beatles track stands as a testament to how technology can assist in realising an artist’s vision without diluting its authenticity, or so Ringo would have us believe.
Beyond the Beatles, Starr is keeping busy with new music. He recently announced a new EP, Rewind Forward, set for release next Friday, which also features collaborations with former bandmate McCartney, among others.
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