Here's who is part of Mark Knopfler's Guitar Heroes

Here's who is part of Mark Knopfler's Guitar Heroes

Mark Knofler has implemented an impressive musical project intended to raise funds to support the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Teen Cancer Americatwo associations that support young cancer patients.

He did it by bringing together a parterre de roy to interpret the song “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)”instrumental piece by Mark Knopfler, released as a single in 1983 and part of the soundtrack of the comedy-drama “Local Hero”, directed by Bill Forsyth and starring played by Burt Lancaster. The song, which later entered Dire Straits' live repertoire, also appears as the closing song on the double live album “Alchemy: Dire Straits Live

Now for the charity purpose the British guitarist has recovered that song by publishing a long version in which they play over 60 guitarists. For enthusiasts, a video now arrives in which the names of the guitarists appear combined with their parts.

The new version of “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)” is performed by Guitar Heroes by Mark Knopfler and produced by the historic collaborator of the former Dire Straits Guy Fletcher (who edited the contributions into a video lasting over 10 minutes).

Guitar Heroes by Mark Knopfler they are an unprecedented lineup and brings together some of the greatest guitarists and artists in history. David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, slash, Eric Clapton, Sting, Joan Armatrading, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Nile Rodgers, Joan Jett, Brian May, Tony Iommi, Joe Walsh, Sam Fender and many other names (See complete list at the bottom of the page)

And, great honor, the piece opens with theJeff Beck's latest recording.

Roger Daltreyhonorary patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust and co-founder of Teen Cancer America (along with Pete Townshend), added the harmonica, while the Beatles icon Ringo Starr he is on drums with his son Zak Starkey; the two drum tracks follow each other, revealing an unmistakable familiar style. Sting he adds his bass to the rhythm section.The artwork designed by. completes the work Sir Peter Blake (Beatles, Who, Band Aid, Paul Weller etc.).

“Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)” It was recorded at British Grove Studios in West London, often with the musicians themselves, while others sent their parts from their studios around the world. The first to record were Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton and Albert Lee.

On March 2, Mark Knopfler premiered the song to 50,000 Newcastle United fans present at St James Park before the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The song is the club's anthem, played at every home match and treasured by the fans.

Says Mark Knopfler,

What I want to do, more than anything, is thank each and every one for the great response, I really had no idea it would be like this. Guy (Fletcher) and I immediately realized that we had to extend the piece somehow, to accommodate the number of people who joined us.

Before I knew where I was, Pete Townshend had entered my studio armed with a guitar and amplifier. And that first power chord from Pete… man, I'll tell you. We were in that territory and it was just amazing. And it went on from there on. Eric (Clapton) came in, played great, one tasty lick after another. Then came Jeff Beck's contribution, which was lovely. I think we had an embarrassing amount of richness, really. The whole thing was a highlight“.

It was absolutely destiny“, says Guy Fletcher of the contribution of the late Jeff Beck, “and what he did with it, brings tears to your eyes“.

Net proceeds will be donated to charities and the project has been further supported by leading guitar manufacturers, who have donated a total of 8 guitars which will be signed by the participating artists.

4 of the 8 guitars have already been sold in the United States to benefit Teen Cancer America, the only US charity that provides specialized care to teenagers and young adults with cancer.

This was in October 2022, before several of the most important and rarest autographs were added to the 4 remaining guitars which will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust, the UK's only charity providing young people aged between 13 to 24 year olds diagnosed with cancer receive specialist, age-appropriate nursing care and support, so that no young person faces cancer alone.

Physical formats of the single are available on CD, 12″ with engraved b-side and deluxe CD+BluRay, with liner notes by Paul Sexton, while digital formats include a Dolby Atmos mix.

Tracklistings:

CD, Download & Streaming formats:
Going Home (Full Version)

12” format:
Going Home (Vinyl Edit)

Complete list of collaborators (CD & Digital versions)

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, Buddy Guy, 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.

Complete list of collaborators (12” Version)

Joan Armatrading, Jeff Beck, Richard Bennett, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Brown, James Burton, Jonathan Cain, Paul Carrack, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Jim Cox, Steve Cropper, Danny Cummings, Duane Eddy, Sam Fender, Guy Fletcher, Peter Frampton , Audley Freed, Vince Gill, David Gilmour, Buddy Guy, Tony Iommi, Joan Jett, John Jorgenson, Mark Knopfler, Albert Lee, Greg Leisz, Hank Marvin, Brian May, Robbie McIntosh, John McLaughlin, Orianthi, Nile Rodgers, Mike Rutherford , Joe Satriani, John Sebastian, Connor Selby, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey, Sting, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Ian Thomas, Pete Townshend, Keith Urban, Steve Vai, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Louis Walker, Joe Walsh , Ronnie Wood, Glenn Worf, Sugar.