Paul McCartney, the legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, has shared his profound experience of using artificial intelligence (AI) to perform alongside his late bandmate John Lennon. In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, McCartney revealed the emotional depth of this innovative collaboration that brings together past and present.
During his performances, McCartney incorporates AI technology that isolates John Lennon’s vocals from iconic recordings. These isolated vocals are then played on stage, allowing McCartney to perform alongside his late bandmate once again. The acclaimed musician expressed his admiration for this unique approach, stating, “It’s one of my favorite bits in the show now.”
The impetus for this AI collaboration came from filmmaker Peter Jackson, known for directing the Get Back documentary. Jackson utilized AI to extract Lennon’s vocals from historic recordings, enabling a seamless integration into live performances. McCartney described the experience as deeply moving, admitting, “It was hard to hold your emotions back actually. You could just get overcome.”
McCartney’s sentiments highlight the power of music and technology to transcend time and bridge the gap between past and present. Despite the technical nature of AI manipulation, the emotions and connection felt during these performances are very real for both McCartney and the audience.
In 2022, during the Glastonbury festival, McCartney showcased the results of this AI collaboration by performing “I’ve Got A Feeling,” a song originally recorded during The Beatles’ famous 1969 rooftop concert in London. The performance served as a testament to the capabilities of AI in the realm of music and creative expression.
In a separate interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today, McCartney further discussed the role of AI in music creation. He described how Peter Jackson’s work on The Beatles Get Back utilized AI to extract and isolate individual elements from recordings. This enabled Lennon’s voice to be separated from other instruments, providing new opportunities for musical innovation.
The use of AI to bring back the voice of John Lennon for collaborative performances underscores the lasting impact of Lennon’s contributions to music and culture. This technological advancement not only pays tribute to a musical icon but also serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that emerge when technology and artistry intertwine.
