Mark Knopfler has said that performing ‘Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero’ is what most makes him miss playing with Dire Straits, because audiences responded so enthusiastically when it closed the band’s concerts. However, the guitarist remains opposed to reforming the group, arguing that its legacy has been preserved by ending without a prolonged or disappointing reunion era.

Released in 1983 as Knopfler’s first solo single and written for the film Local Hero, ‘Going Home’ initially had limited impact before becoming a popular live Dire Straits number. In a 2024 interview, Knopfler recalled crowds “going bananas” for it at venues including Madison Square Garden, while saying he felt fortunate with the band’s career and would not want anything more from it.