Some of the biggest names in punk are coming to Sunderland and Durham as part of a plan to put two cities back on the rock map.

The Uk Subs began their UK Tour at the Ku Club Sunderland.They were supported by Crashed out and Junkster. Meanwhile The Damned, who will reopen Durham University's Dunelm Ballroom on May7th, will headline a festival at Sunderland University's Manor Quay on December 3.
As already revealed, The Damned will be supported at Dunelm by another big name from the heyday of punk, The Rezillos.
JR promotions, the company behind the gigs, has been talking to national agents in a bid to get Sunderland and Durham established as alternatives to the Newcastle universities. Several are expected to attend the shows to discuss the plan. A spokesman for the promoters told theGuide:"We feel there is a vibrant music scene across Wearside - in Durham and Sunderland - and for too long the area has missed out on the national gig circuit.
"The next 12 months should be a very exciting time for the music in the area. And it's not just punk - we're talking about other kinds of music as well. We've approached national agents with a view to offering Durham and Sunderland Universities and indeed Ku Club as viable alternatives for their bands who traditionally book their North East Shows in Newcastle."Negotiations are also taking place with several major bands with a view to possible Sunderland and Durham shows.