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Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler has brought together some of his favorite ‘guitar heroes’ for a special charity recording for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Dubbed Guitar Heroes, the supergroup is made up of 54 famous guitarists performing “Mark Knopfler’s Going Home: Theme Of The Local Hero.”
Contributions from musicians including David Gilmour, Slash, Sir Brian May, Joan Armatrading, Bruce Springsteen and Pete Townshend have been compiled into a nine-minute track to raise money for Teen Cancer America. Become.
This special recording features Roger Daltrey, frontman of The Who and honorary patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust, on harmonica, Sting on bass and Ringo Starr of the Beatles on drums.
The instrumental track begins with guitarist Jeff Beck’s last recording, who passed away last year. The recording was co-edited by Knopfler’s former Dire Straits bandmate Guy Fletcher.
Sir Peter Blake was asked to recreate the Beatles’ iconic 1967 album cover. Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band With all 54 guitarists.
Mark Knopfler, Ringo Starr, Sting, Bruce Springsteen
(Getty)
“What I really want to do above all else is to thank each and every one of you for this amazing response,” Knopefler said in a statement.
“We really didn’t think it would turn out like this. Guy and I decided pretty early on that we needed to expand this production in some way to accommodate more participants.
“Before I even knew where I was, Pete Townshend came into my studio with a guitar and an amp. And I’ll tell you what, Pete’s first power chord.”
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He continued: “We were in that territory, and it was really great. And it just continued from there. Eric (Clapton) came on and played great, delicious performance after delicious performance.
“Then Jeff Beck’s contribution came in and it was mesmerizing. I think what we went through was really an embarrassment of riches. It was all a high point.”
Mark Knopfler brings together the world’s best guitarists
(AP)
Some musicians recorded directly at British Globe Studios in west London, while others received donations from around the world.
Net proceeds from the record will be donated to two charities, and the guitar manufacturer also added to the fundraising effort by donating eight guitars signed by the contributing artists.
One of the cars will be auctioned by Knopfler at a private donor event to be held in Newcastle on the evening of March 1, ahead of Newcastle’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 2.
A number of artists who have performed the song will be at the match, and a sneak preview of the song will be played for Newcastle fans as the players enter the stadium.
The song was released shortly after Knopfler auctioned off more than 100 of his personal guitars, which sold for more than £8 million.
Art Handler of Christie’s holds up Mark Knopfler’s red Schecter Telecaster guitar among more than 120 guitars going up for auction last month.
(Pennsylvania)
25% of the total proceeds will be split equally between the charities British Red Cross, Tusk and Brave Hearts of the North East.
Auction house Christie’s also announced it would donate £50,000 to various charities.
Going Home (Theme From Local Hero) will be released by BMG on March 15th and is available for pre-order now.
Additional report from PA