Released in 1983, the instrumental rock song is the emotional closing track for the film ‘Local Hero’, with the entire score composed by Knopfler himself. While he’s famously known for his work as songwriter, lead guitarist and producer of Dire Straits, ‘Local Hero’ marked Knopfler’s first venture into film scoring. It was a new challenge, and one he absolutely nailed.
The song’s signature saxophone lines, which signal matchday magic in the Toon, were performed by the late American jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker. There’s something about that saxophone, perhaps the way it rises and falls, that makes us all emotional, nostalgic, and proud to be a part of this special place. Whether you’re a football fan or not, you can’t deny that it just does something to you.
Those who have seen the film know it’s a story full of heart. Set in a fictional Scottish village called Ferness, it follows Mac, an American oil representative, sent to buy up the village for his company. However, what he finds instead of cold business negotiations is community and a sense of belonging that feels removed from corporate life. The storytelling is quietly profound and, much like the film itself, the music stays with you.
But how did ‘Going Home’ become the anthem of the black and white army?
It’s still a bit of a mystery when exactly it got adopted by the football club. According to NUFC’s official website, though, the tradition began sometime in the early 90s. Since then, it’s become a ritual that unites players and fans alike.
The special part about this matchday melody is that, unlike many other football tunes, it doesn’t rely on lyrics or any of your typical chants - and it doesn’t need to. It is pure emotion in raw musical form. The moment that first note rings out, not just over the stadium but over all the city, the goosebumps start. Not just for the fans, but for every Geordie and honourary Geordie out there. It signals much more than just the kick-off, but rather a feeling of homecoming, pride, and hope.
Dan Burn, local hero in his own right, said: "'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.”
That’s the thing about ‘Going Home’: it is so much more than a song. It has become a symbol of the pride of a city and its people. It’s an anthem of glory and feeling like, even just for a moment, anything is possible.
Next time you find yourself strolling through Newcastle and you hear that saxophone all the way from St James’ Park, just take a second, close your eyes, and soak it all in. You’re home.