Mark Knopfler's new Local Hero unveiled at Newcastle match

Mark Knopfler and other music stars will attend St. James’ Park for the unveiling of the re-released ‘Going Home’, the anthemic theme played as the players are walking out onto the pitch before every home game.

The theme from the 1983 Scottish comedy-drama film Local Hero, the new version will feature some of the world’s greatest musicians of all time.

The song is synonymous with matchdays on Tyneside and now, 41 years after its release, it has been re-recorded by Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes.

More than 60 musicians make up the stellar lineup - including Geordie royalty Sting and Sam Fender, alongside the likes of Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Brian May, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Pete Townshend, and Ronnie Wood.

Re-recorded to raise funds in the aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America, the world exclusive multi-collaboration of ‘Local Hero’ will be heard for the first time as the Magpies’ clash with Wolves at St James’ Park on Saturday, March 2.

Mark Knopfler - who lived in Blyth rom the age of seven and went to school in Newcastle -  will be pitchside to discuss the recording of the iconic tune.

Mark Knopfler will be pitchside at St James' Park for the re-release of his song 'Going Home' (Image: PRESS ASSOCIATION)

The former Dire Straits frontman said: “What I really want to do, more than anything else, is just to thank each and every one for this sterling response.

“I really had no idea that it was going to be like this. It hit Guy (Fletcher) and I quite early on that we had to extend this piece somehow, to take in the number of people who joined in.

“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. The whole thing was a high point.”

The tune has been played to the St James’ Park faithful as the players walk onto the pitch since the early 1990s.

The tune has been played to the St James’ Park faithful as the players walk onto the pitch since the early 1990s (Image: PRESS ASSOCIATION)

Newcastle United Defender and lifelong fan, Dan Burn, added: “Local Hero has been a song that I’ve listened to all my life and means so much to me on so many levels, whether as a fan or player.

“When I was young my dad used to play ‘Local Hero’ at breakfast and it instantly made me think of St. James’ Park and the excitement of going to games.

Most read:

• Home Bargains to open brand new store in Darlington - here's where and when
• Councillors to decide whether County Durham primary school will close
• North East site chosen for breakthrough nuclear power project

To get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device for just £5 for five months click here.

“Whenever I hear the song it has so many memories from seeing huge wins and European nights under Sir Bobby Robson, to now, being able to walk out to the iconic anthem is a ‘pinch me’ moment every time.

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn says he knows just how much the song measn to the fans (Image: PRESS ASSOCIATION)

“I know what this song means to people in the region and everybody will be buzzing to hear the version.”

Fans will be able to purchase the re-released track both in physical and digital format following its debut with net proceeds being donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust and its US equivalent, Teen Cancer America.