Welcome to the premiere Song Dive episode: a way to hear the story behind a song that has made (or will soon make) our collective mixtapes & playlists!

On this Song Dive episode, I’m joined by Guy Fletcher of Dire Straits, to explore the story behind the powerful new version of Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes’ “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero),” which Guy produced. This epic 10-minute rendition was created in support of Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America, and features more than 60 legendary musicians contributing to a single, unforgettable recording.

We also dive into key moments from the Dire Straits catalog, discussing iconic tracks like “Money for Nothing,” “Walk of Life,” “Heavy Fuel,” and “The Bug.”

Guy shares stories about working with “Weird Al” Yankovic on his Dire Straits parody “Money for Nothing / Beverly Hillbillies,” recording the beloved Princess Bride soundtrack, and the process of mixing Dire Straits: Live at the Rainbow, London UK, 12/1979 from the original tapes.

We also talk about Guy’s accreditation as a Dolby ATMOS engineer, how that influenced the new “Going Home” mix, and the future of immersive audio with Airsound Spatial speaker technology.

This episode is packed with music history, production insight, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of rock’s most influential bands.

The full list of artists who appear on “Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)” are (in alphabetical order): Joan Armatrading, Jeff Beck, Richard Bennett, Joe Bonamassa, Joe Brown, James Burton, Jonathan Cain, Paul Carrack, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Jim Cox, Steve Cropper, Sheryl Crow, Danny Cummings, Roger Daltrey, Duane Eddy, Sam Fender, Guy Fletcher, Peter Frampton, Audley Freed, Vince Gill, David Gilmour, Buddy Guy, Keiji Haino, Tony Iommi, Joan Jett, John Jorgenson, Mark Knopfler, Sonny Landreth, Albert Lee, Greg Leisz, Alex Lifeson, Steve Lukather, Phil Manzanera, Dave Mason, Hank Marvin, Brian May, Robbie McIntosh, John McLaughlin, Tom Morello, Rick Nielsen, Orianthi, Brad Paisley, Nile Rodgers, Mike Rutherford, Joe Satriani, John Sebastian, Connor Selby, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey, Sting, Andy Taylor, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Ian Thomas, Pete Townshend, Keith Urban, Steve Vai, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Louis Walker, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Wood, Glenn Worf, & Zucchero.

A minimum of 50% of the proceeds from the single are being donated to Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America. To purchase the 12″ vinyl, CD or digital edition of the single, please visit: https://www.markknopflersguitarheroes.com/

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SONGS DISCUSSED

• Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes – Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)
• Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
• “Weird Al” Yankovic – Money For Nothing / Beverly Hillbillies
• Dire Straits – Walk Of Life
• Shooter Jennings – Walk Of Life
• Dire Straits – Heavy Fuel
• Dire Straits – The Bug
• Mary Chapin Carpenter – The Bug
• Chet Atkins / Mark Knopfler – Yakety Axe

ALBUMS DISCUSSED

• Cal – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
• Comfort & Joy – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
• Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms
• The Princess Bride – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
• Dire Straits – On Every Street
• Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins – Neck & Neck
• Dire Straits – Live At The Rainbow, London UK, 12/1979
• Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes – Going Home (Theme From Local Hero)