Is AI the new future for classic rock or our worst nightmare?

Recent developments in AI have seen new music appear online for classic rock lovers. It could be a bright new future or lead to mediocre music filling the airwaves.

Some classic rock bands continue to perform and release new albums, satisfying fans' appetites for new content. Many have split up, sometimes friendly, often acrimoniously. Others have lost band members who have retired or passed on, and the band has reached its natural end. 

The Beatles are a prime example. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr release new solo material, but the Fab Four, as they were, are definitely no more. But what if you could hear new music by The Beatles? Clearly, that has commercial attractions, but has it got fan appeal?

The rapidly increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is offering some new musical possibilities. How AI is used for music can vary. There are now new songs and versions of old ones created by AI and shared online, based on using the style or past recordings of classic rock bands and singers. 

Given the enormous audience of The Beatles, they were an obvious band to test out AI-created music. Dae Lims has developed several songs based on the group using AI. He added his latest creation, "It Don't Come Easy," recently. 

Originally a solo hit for Ringo in 1971, it is now reworked using AI to provide a song from all of the Fab Four. Have a listen for yourself and see what you think about this version. 

With over a thousand likes, warm praise for the creator, and many more positive comments added to his YouTube channel, it seems to have gone down well with his audience. But where else could this approach lead?