Preview of Mark Knopfler’s Going Home Single feat David Gilmour
Following on from our previous news about David Gilmour featuring on Mark Knopfler’s re-recording of Going Home for the Teenage Cancer Trust, I am happy to share this BBC video.
You can hear more about the project, see interviews with Guy Fletcher and Mark Knopfler, and hear a preview of the song when it was performed at Newcastle United’s football stadium St Jame’s Park. It is a re-recording of a song over 40 years old and is a nine minute recording and features just guitars. It has been extended to fit so many people on!
The charity single, featuring David Gilmour, is released on 15th March. You can watch the interview on YouTube.
We are of course also waiting for an announcement about David Gilmour Tour 2024 and his new album. Fingers crossed we will know more soon.
The track, titled “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)”, is performed by “Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes” and has been produced by Knopfler’s longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher. The piece has been extended to nine minutes to accommodate the contributions of a remarkable line-up of guitarists.
In addition to David Gilmour, the recording features an unprecedented array of guitarists, including Ronnie Wood, Slash, Eric Clapton, Sting, Joan Armatrading, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Nile Rodgers, Joan Jett, Brian May, Tony Iommi, and many more. Notably, the track opens with Jeff Beck’s final recording, adding to the historical significance of the project. The release is further commemorated with artwork designed by Sir Peter Blake, known for his work with The Beatles, The Who, and Band Aid.
Moreover, the song “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)” has a special connection with Newcastle United, as it is played at every game before the team takes the pitch. This project has received significant support, including from leading guitar manufacturers who donated guitars signed by the contributing artists, with the proceeds going to the aforementioned charities.
When was the original Going Home song released?
The original version of “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero” by Mark Knopfler was released on March 4, 1983. This instrumental rock track was the closing track from the 1983 film “Local Hero” soundtrack and marked Knopfler’s debut as a solo artist. The song remains one of Knopfler’s most popular pieces and has a strong association with English football, particularly Newcastle United, as it is played before every home game of the club.
