Over 2,000 people packed into the historic Riverside Church in New York on Monday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Democracy Now! The acclaimed singer, songwriter and artist Michael Stipe performed his song “No Time for Love Like Now,” accompanied by musician and producer Aaron Dessner, a founding member of The National. Dessner has also closely collaborated with Taylor Swift, co-producing several of her albums.

“This evening feels like a clarion call, a voice of courage, of optimism and resilience and community in the face of system collapse,” said Stipe, former lead singer of R.E.M.

Watch the entire event here.

Transcript

AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now!, democracynow.org. I’m Amy Goodman, with Nermeen Shaikh.

We end today’s show with Michael Stipe and Aaron Dessner performing their song “No Time for Love Like Now” at Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary celebration. Aaron Dessner, co-founder of The National; Michael Stipe, former lead singer of R.E.M.

MICHAEL STIPE: Thank you, Amy. This evening feels like a clarion call, a voice, a voice of courage, of optimism and resilience and community in the face, in the midst of system collapse. We are honored to be here and to be a part of this community. Thank you.

MICHAEL STIPE and AARON DESSNER: [performing “No Time for Love Like Now”]

No time for breezy

No time for arguments
There’s no time for love like now

There’s no time in the bardo

No time in the in-between
No time for love like now

Where did this all begin to change?

The locked-down memories can’t sustain
This glistening, hanging free fall

I turned away from the glorious light

I turned my head and cried
Whatever waiting means in this new place
I am waiting for you

There’s no time for dancing

No time for undecideds
No time for love like now

There’s no time for honey

No time for psalms and thresholds
Whisper a sweet prayer sigh

Where did this all begin to change?

The locked-down memories can’t sustain
This glistening, hanging free fall

I turned away from the glorious light

I turned my head and cried
Whatever waiting means in this new place
I am waiting for you

Your voice is echoing love, love, love, love, love

I hear it far, far away
And I am waiting for you
Yes, I am waiting for you

Whatever waiting means in this new place

I am waiting for you
Yes, I am waiting for you
I am waiting for you

Thank you.

AMY GOODMAN: Michael Stipe and Aaron Dessner performing their song “No Time for Love” at Democracy Now!'s 30th anniversary celebration. To watch the full event with Patti Smith, as well as Bruce Springsteen, go to democracynow.org. These aren't happy times, but, Nermeen, happy, happy birthday!

NERMEEN SHAIKH: Yeah. Thanks, Amy. Yay!