Mark Knopfler is set to launch a special edition of his iconic anthem ‘Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)’ on March 15, 2024, with proceeds dedicated to supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.
Prior to its official release, a preview of the track was shared with Newcastle United fans at St James Park during their Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This rendition of the song, cherished as the club’s anthem and played at every home game, was presented in an extended preview to 50,000 supporters, urging them to pre-order the track with all net proceeds directed towards the mentioned charities.
A fundraising event held at the club garnered £110,000 for the cause, featuring an interview with Mark Knopfler by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, accompanied by an auction of guitars, artwork, and more.
The recording, performed by Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes and produced by his longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher, boasts a stellar lineup of iconic guitarists including David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Slash, Eric Clapton, Sting, and many others.
Notably, the track opens with Jeff Beck’s final recording, with additional contributions from Roger Daltrey on harmonica, Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey on drums, and Sting on bass, forming an extraordinary rhythm section.
Newcastle United fan and the song’s composer, Mark Knopfler commented: “That reception for the new version of ‘Going Home’ from the Newcastle fans was something that will live with me forever. I can’t tell you what it means to me for the song to be so integral to this region.
“It’s a fantastic thing, it’s something I can be proud of forever. I’ve tried to get people to imagine what it’s like. It’s a tremendous feeling to be in St James Park when it plays.”
Recorded at British Grove Studios in West London, the project commenced with Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, and Albert Lee, evolving into a poignant tribute with Jeff Beck’s posthumous contribution.
The song’s origin dates back to the 1983 film ‘Local Hero’, marking Knopfler’s debut as a film composer and earning him a BAFTA nomination.
Proceeds from the project will support the mentioned charities, further aided by leading guitar makers who donated guitars to be signed by the contributing artists.
Noteworthy auctions of music memorabilia, including Knopfler’s personal guitar collection, have contributed to the fundraising efforts.
Various physical and digital formats of the single will be available upon its release, promising an immersive listening experience.
