Answering the call from Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, dozens of guitar heroes and rock music legends have come together to record a charity single for the benefit of teens with cancer.
The track features an unprecedented line-up of Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes. The astonishing roll call of guitar greats includes, David Gilmour, Sting, Ronnie Wood, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend and Joan Jett - to name just a few.
The single comes out on 15 March (listen to a sneak preview below) and is an update of his film anthem Going Home - from Knopfler’s first foray into movies - the soundtrack to Local Hero (starring Burt Lancaster) released 41 years ago.
It’s a memorable tune that, even now, is still played before every home game of Newcastle United football club, in north east England.
Knopfler’s longtime collaborator Guy Fletcher edited the contributions into a 9 minute track with Roger Daltrey on harmonica, and Ringo Starr on drums. Sting completes an extraordinary rhythm section on bass.
All the net proceeds will go to Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK and its American equivalent Teen Cancer America, which was co-founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. Further funds are being raised thanks to guitar makers who’ve donated 8 guitars to be signed by the contributing artists. 4 of the 8 have already been sold for the US charity. This is on top of Knopfler's own guitar collection which was sold by Christie’s last month, with $2m going to charity.
Even more money is being raised by the record’s cover artist, Sir Peter Blake (who created the iconic cover for Sgt. Pepper’s) donating a limited edition print run of 150 large wall prints. Each print has been hand signed by Sir Peter Blake CBE and are being sold for around $1,000 each for the benefit of the UK Teenage Cancer Trust.
Why not get involved? You can preorder the EP extended play on CD or vinyl.