But fans started noticing in recent weeks that the tune had been swapped with the anthemic Blaydon Races, or, in the case of the Premier League clash with Fulham, no music at all.
That request, it has been claimed, came directly from the players who "want to hear the fans singing right at kick-off," according to fan group Wor Flags who took to X to inform fans of a conversation they had with the club about pre-match atmosphere.
"Many have noticed a change in the order of songs pre-match at St James’ Park in the last couple of weeks," Wor Flags said.
"The club have told us the decision to swap Local Hero with the Blaydon Races before kick-off was done primarily at the request of the players and coaching staff, who want to hear the fans singing right at kick-off, which is not possible with Local Hero but is with The Blaydon Races."
Newcastle United players made the request to play Blaydon Races before kick-off instead, (Image: Richard Sellers / PA)
Club sources do not dispute that this meeting took place.
Nevertheless, this decision has prompted a mixed response from fans online and some bemusement in the stands, especially against Fulham when nothing at all played.
One X user said: "Nothing gets me more pumped up if I’m the stadium or watching at home to hearing local hero before the game. Should never have been changed."
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And another, Micky, said: "As a fan base we’ve been used to Local Hero right up to kick off, and the roar that hits as the drums close it out is like nothing anywhere else. Blaydon Races as they come out the tunnel, into Local Hero, roar as the ref starts the game… that’s how it should be."
However, Gary Harris said: "Good. Local Hero was always a dirge that got in the way of fans making atmosphere. Blaydon races is our song, not a Mark Knopfler guitar riff."
Newcastle take on Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Wednesday night and with the pre-match ritual under the spotlight, Wor Flags called on fans to "belt out the Blaydon Races and also carry it into the game."