Music studio used by stars soaked by leaky roof

The studio's building was erected in 1890

A music studio which once played host to The Clash, Bjork and Billy Bragg is facing a bill of thousands of pounds to repair a leaky roof.

The group running The Bunker on Stockton Road, Sunderland, said it needed £30,000 in order to stay open.

It was built in 1890 as a bicycle factory, but has been a community music studio for the past 42 years.

Director Kenny Sanger said: "We are not really good at putting our hands out and asking for support, but we need help."

He added: "We'd hate to leave but we can't keep chasing leaks."

The venue is open seven days a week and has 17 music studios and practice rooms.

It also provides music tuition to young people.

The venue offers music tuition for young people

A number of North East artists have used the studios, including The Lake Poets, Tom A Smith and The Futureheads.

Lead singer Barry Hyde said the studio was a "cornerstone" of the city's music scene and he "owes an awful lot" to it.

"Growing up in the 90s, I heard about the youth music project at The Bunker," he said.

"I went along and I met two lads called Ross and Jack, then my younger brother came along. We went on to form the Futureheads."

The indie group’s cover of Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love in 2008 was both a critical and chart success, reaching number eight in the UK Top 40.

"We’ve been very lucky, we got to travel the world gigging and, you know, that wouldn't have happened without the Bunker," Hyde said.

Indie band The Futureheads said the studio was the "cornerstone" of the city's music scene

A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than £4,000.

Other Wearside artists have pledged their support, with Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics offering to auction a guitar to help pay for the repairs.

New artist Tom A Smith, who recently played the BBC Introducing stage at Radio One’s Big Weekend, is to play a charity concert to raise funds this month.

"I was part of the young musician project, it’s such an important venue to me and the city, I just want to help out," he said.

Mr Sanger said he had been "overwhelmed" by the support.

"It’s great to see people getting behind us," he said.

"We want to make this place something the city can be proud of.

"We want to stay here and, if we can get rid of the damp carpets and dehumidifiers, that would be brilliant."