Renowned musician Mark Knopfler is set to release a unique rendition of his iconic track ‘Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)’ on March 15, 2024. The release aims to raise funds for two vital organisations, Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America. Pre-order right here.
Crafted by Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes and produced by his longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher, the track spans nine minutes and showcases an unparalleled lineup of legendary guitarists. From David Gilmour to Eric Clapton, Slash to Joan Armatrading, the ensemble promises an electrifying experience for fans.
The recording also holds sentimental value as it features Jeff Beck’s final contribution, making it a poignant tribute to the late guitarist’s legacy. Roger Daltrey and Ringo Starr, among others, lend their talents to create an extraordinary rhythm section.
Full list of contributors:
Joan Armatrading, Jeff Beck, Richard Bennett, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Brown, James Burton, Jonathan Cain, Paul Carrack, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Jim Cox, Steve Cropper, Sheryl Crow, Danny Cummings, Roger Daltrey, Duane Eddy, Sam Fender,Guy Fletcher, Peter Frampton, Audley Freed, Vince Gill, David Gilmour, BuddyGuy, Keiji Haino, Tony Iommi, Joan Jett, John Jorgenson, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Landreth, Albert Lee, Greg Leisz, Alex Lifeson, Steve Lukather, Phil Manzanera, Dave Mason, Hank Marvin, Brian May, Robbie McIntosh, John McLaughlin, Tom Morello, Rick Nielsen, Orianthi, Brad Paisley, Nile Rodgers, Mike Rutherford, Joe Satriani, John Sebastian, Connor Selby, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey, Sting, Andy Taylor, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Ian Thomas, Pete Townshend, Keith Urban, Steve Vai, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Louis Walker, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood, Glenn Worf, Zucchero.
Accompanied by artwork from Sir Peter Blake, known for his iconic designs for The Beatles and The Who, this release marks a significant milestone in rock music history.
Reflecting on the project, Mark Knopfler expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response from fellow musicians. He reminisced about the organic collaboration process, which saw icons like Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton joining forces in the studio.
Recorded at British Grove Studios in West London, the project embodies a spirit of unity and creativity, with contributions pouring in from studios worldwide.
Proceeds from the release will support Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America, with additional support from leading guitar makers who have donated instruments signed by the contributing artists.
In a unique fundraising effort, guitars autographed by the artists will be auctioned off, following the success of Knopfler’s recent guitar collection sale at Christie’s.
A private donor event in Newcastle, scheduled for March 1, will feature an auction of one of the guitars, coinciding with a Newcastle United match where a sneak peek of the track will be unveiled for fans.
Moreover, NeoFidelity Recordings has made a substantial contribution by selling an Ionic Original Disc of the master recording, further supporting the charitable cause.
The single will be available in various physical and digital formats, including CD, 12” vinyl, deluxe CD+BluRay, and Dolby Atmos mix, catering to a wide audience of music enthusiasts.
