Mark Knopfler Shares ‘Going Home’ Charity Single Featuring Legendary Guitarists

Mark Knopfler recently shared a new charity single, “Going Home,” featuring a plethora of legendary guitarists.

The single is a re-recorded version of Knopfler’s debut solo single “Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero,” the closing track from the 1983 film Local Hero soundtrack.

A supergroup referred to as “Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes” recorded “Going Home” to support the British charity Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America.

“Going Home” was Jeff Beck‘s final recording before his death. Sir Peter Blake created the single’s artwork.

The sessions were recorded at British Grove Studios. Produced by former Dire Straits keyboardist Guy Fletcher, more than 60 musicians, mostly guitar players, participated in the nine minute recording.

The song features performances by rock icons including Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Peter Frampton, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Iommi, Joan Jett, Ringo Starr, Slash, Brian May, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood and Sting, among others.

Speaking about the massive participation in recording, Knopfler said, “I really had no idea that it was going to be like this. Before I knew where I was, Pete Townshend had come into my studio armed with a guitar and an amp. And that first Pete power chord – man, I tell you.”

“And it went on from there,” he added. “Eric [Clapton] came in, played great, just one tasty lick after another. Then Jeff Beck’s contribution arrived and that was spellbinding. I think what we’ve had is an embarrassment of riches, really.”