Paul McCartney has joined the March for Our Lives protest in New York City in memory of his murdered friend and Beatles bandmate John Lennon.

Lennon was shot dead by Mark David Chapman at the Dakota apartment buildings on Monday, December 8, 1980.

McCartney attended today's march (March 24) with his wife Nancy Shevell.

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Both wore black T-shirts with slogans reading 'We Can End Gun Violence' and carried placards showing the March for Our Lives logo.

Asked about why he was there, McCartney told CNN: "One of my best friends was killed in gun violence right around here, so it's important to me."

On whether action could be taken against gun violence at a national legislative level, he added: "You know, I'm like everyone, I don't know.

"But this is what we can do, so I'm here to do it."

Other musicians who have given their support to the march include Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez, who both shared Instagram posts of the March for Our Lives logo and explained why.

"No one should have to go to school in fear of gun violence. Or to a nightclub. Or to a concert. Or to a movie theater. Or to their place of worship," Taylor said.

Spencer Platt Getty Images

Related: Sir Paul McCartney congratulates his fellow Beatle Ringo Starr on his knighthood

The march in Manhattan is one of hundreds taking place around the world following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14 which left 17 people dead.

Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Common were among the stars who performed at the Washington DC march.

"Not one more. We cannot allow one more child to be shot at school. We cannot allow one more teacher to make a choice to jump in front of a firing assault rifle to save the lives of students," reads the March for Our Lives mission statement.

"We cannot allow one more family to wait for a call or text that never comes. Our schools are unsafe. Our children and teachers are dying. We must make it our top priority to save these lives."

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