In a heartwarming demonstration of unity, a multitude of guitar virtuosos and legendary figures from the realm of rock music rallied together in response to a noble cause. Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits fame, spearheaded a remarkable initiative aimed at aiding teenagers battling cancer. Their collaborative effort has already garnered significant support, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The charity single showcases an unparalleled assembly of Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes—a roster that defies the mere label of “legendary.” From the iconic David Gilmour to the venerable Ronnie Wood, from the incendiary prowess of Slash to the timeless mastery of Eric Clapton, and from the soulful resonance of Sting to the trailblazing Joan Armatrading, the lineup reads like a who’s who of rock royalty. Also featured are luminaries such as Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Joan Jett, Albert Lee, Brian May, and Tony Iommi, each contributing their unique talents to the cause.
Noteworthy among these contributions is the poignant opening performance by Jeff Beck, marking a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career with a spine-tingling recording that sets the tone for the heartfelt endeavor.
“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. We were in that territory, and it was just fantastic.”
“And it went on from there. 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.”
Scheduled for release on March 15th, the upcoming song—teased below—is a revamped rendition of Mark Knopfler’s cinematic anthem “Going Home,” originally featured in the soundtrack of the film “Local Hero,” which debuted 41 years prior, starring Burt Lancaster. This timeless melody holds significant cultural resonance, notably being played before each home game of England’s Newcastle United football club.
In this latest rendition, Knopfler’s seasoned collaborator, Guy Fletcher, has meticulously curated contributions to craft a captivating 9-minute opus. Renowned musicians such as Roger Daltrey on harmonica and Ringo Starr on drums, accompanied by his son Zak Starkey, lend their talents to the arrangement. The dual drum tracks seamlessly transition between father and son, showcasing a distinct familial flair. Adding to the ensemble, Sting rounds out the ensemble with his masterful basslines, forming an extraordinary rhythm section that promises to captivate listeners anew.
“(Jeff Beck’s contribution) was absolutely meant to be,” Fletcher said. “And what he did with it, it just brings you to tears.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK and its counterpart Teen Cancer America in the US, both initiatives co-founded by The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. Additionally, funds are being raised through the contribution of eight guitars generously donated by guitar makers, which will be signed by participating artists. Already, four of these guitars have been sold to support the US charity.
In a remarkable gesture of philanthropy and musical camaraderie, Mark Knopfler made headlines in January when he auctioned off his personal guitar collection at Christie’s, fetching an astonishing sum exceeding $8 million. What makes this act even more commendable is that 25% of the proceeds are being directed towards charitable causes. Among the treasures auctioned was a Gibson Les Paul adorned with the signatures of numerous artists involved in the project, fetching close to half a million dollars on its own.
But the generosity doesn’t stop there. NeoFidelity Recordings, the record label associated with the project, is contributing substantially to the charitable effort. They’re making a six-figure donation, with renowned artist Sir Peter Blake, famous for his iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover, adding to the fundraising effort. Sir Peter is offering a limited edition print run of 150 large wall prints featuring the cover art, each meticulously signed by the artist himself. These prints, priced around $1,000 in the UK, are set to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. Additionally, a US version will be released later to support Teen Cancer America.
The roster of talent involved in the project is nothing short of stellar, featuring luminaries like Joe Bonamassa, Paul Carrack, Ry Cooder, Steve Cropper, Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, Buddy Guy, Sonny Landreth, Alex Lifeson, Phil Manzanera, Dave Mason, John McLaughlin, Tom Morello, Rick Nielsen, Brad Paisley, Nile Rodgers, Mike Rutherford, Joe Satriani, John Sebastian, Andy Taylor, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Keith Urban, Steve Vai, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Walsh, and others.. Their contributions, alongside Knopfler’s, are a testament to the power of music to inspire generosity and goodwill.
Further demonstrating his commitment to the cause, Knopfler will auction off one of the guitars specifically for the Teenage Cancer Trust at a private event in Newcastle. Coinciding with the event is a special moment at a Newcastle United soccer match, where artists from the project will attend and offer a preview of the song to fans as the players enter the stadium.
In the wake of this overwhelming support, Knopfler expresses his deepest gratitude to all the performers, acknowledging their “sterling response” to the cause. It’s a heartening example of artists coming together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
After the overwhelming support showed by his Guitar Heroes, Knopfler most wants to thank each and every one of the performers for their “sterling response”.
“I really had no idea that it was going to be like this.”
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