The Beatles reclaimed their position at the forefront of the U.K. music charts last Friday, setting a new record with their latest hit “Now And Then,” creating a historical milestone by achieving the longest span between their debut and most recent No. 1 single.
Known as the Beatles’ final composition, “Now And Then” is distinguished by featuring the voice of the late John Lennon, with the aid of artificial intelligence technology.
The track also includes contributions from the band’s surviving members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and incorporates recordings from the late George Harrison.
Marking their 18th chart leader in the U.K., the Beatles have reemerged at the summit of the Official Singles Chart with “Now And Then,” exactly six decades after their first No. 1 hit “From Me to You.”
This accomplishment further solidifies the Beatles’ standing as the British group with the most No. 1 singles in the annals of Official Charts history.
“It’s mind-boggling; it’s blown my socks off,” McCartney said in a statement. “It’s also a very emotional moment for me. I love it!”
Achieving the status of the year’s fastest-selling single so far in Britain, “Now And Then” amassed 48,600 sales in physical and digital formats within its initial week, as reported by the Official Charts Company.
Additionally, the song has set a record as the fastest-selling vinyl single of the century in Britain, with over 19,400 vinyl copies sold and has become the most-streamed Beatles track in a single week, attracting 5.03 million streams, according to the Official Charts Company.
The Beatles have further distinguished themselves as the artists with the most extended span between No. 1 singles — a staggering 54 years.
They are also the oldest group ever to achieve a No. 1 single in the U.K., with McCartney at 81 and Starr at 83 years of age, as noted by the Official Charts Company.
“Beatlemania has returned this week,” stated Martin Talbot, Chief Executive Officer of the Official Charts Company.
“The return of John, Paul, George, and Ringo with the last ever Beatles single has cemented their legend by breaking a catalog of records — and in doing so underlined the extraordinary scope of their enduring appeal, across all the generations.”
