Crashed Out have dates lined up in Belgium, and are also putting the finishing touches to a new album.

Lead singer Chris Wright, who runs a tattoo parlour in Ellison Street, Jarrow, said: "We are hoping the album will be out later this summer.

"But before that, we have gigs in Belgium and will also be appearing with The Dickies.

"In August, we are due to play the Fordham Festival in Cambridge, with leading bands Bad Manners and Sham 69, plus some other UK shows."

Just before Christmas, the band released a live album, called Fast, Loose and Live, which has sold well.

But the next album will be a studio production, featuring all original material.

Mr Wright added: "We are still working on the album, which is due to be released on a German label.

"We're very happy with the way it sounds and hope to have it ready for release soon."

Formed in 1995, Crashed Out includes lead singer Chris, his brother Lee on guitar, bass player Geordie Brown and Jonnie Halling on drums.

The band was featured on TV recently, playing their punk version of the 1974 Alan Price classic, The Jarrow Song, which featured on their
recent live album.

For more information about Crashed Out's summer schedule, visit www.crashed-out.co.uk