Paul McCartney and Michael Stipe were among the musicians spurred to action by Saturday’s March for Our Lives protests around the country.

McCartney participated in the New York march, wearing a t-shirt that read “We can end gun violence.” Speaking to CNN, the former Beatle explained why it was personally important for him to being there — “one of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here.” He didn’t say it, but we assume he was referring to John Lennon.

The former R.E.M. singer posted his approval of the marchers goals on Instagram by unveiling a snippet of a new song — his first original with lyrics as a solo artist. Titled  “Future, if Future,” it somewhat echoes his friend Patti Smith‘s contention that “People Got the Power.” It’s words include the phrase, “We’ve got the obvious, we’ve got the power/ Please don’t stare, we’re doing all we can.”