BRUCE Springsteen fans will be able to travel by Metro to the gig at Sunderland next week after the threat of industrial action was lifted.

Nexus staff walked out ahead of last week's gig involving Coldplay, leading to buses having to be laid on to get people to and from the Stadium of Light.

Similar plans were being put in place for the Springsteen gig next Thursday, but action has now been suspended.

Sharon Kelly, Customer Service Director at Metro operator DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: "Talks on the pay dispute have now concluded and we can confirm that all three unions have agreed to suspend industrial action on Thursday 21 June.

“RMT and Unite are balloting their members with a recommendation to accept our pay offer and ASLEF are currently consulting their executive committee.

"However, suspension of action is definite for all three unions.

“Metro will run as normal on Thursday 21 June and for concert goers travelling to the Bruce Springsteen concert at the Stadium of Light.

“Employees will receive a 2.1 per cent or £520 pay increase, whichever is the greater, stretching to three per cent depending on current pay.

"They will also receive a £300 payment - this is the 2011/2012 ‘Red Book Bonus’ paid in full, plus a one-off bonus payment of £200 for the consolidation of the Red Book Bonus for future years, plus additional travel benefits.

“The pay award to members of staff will be funded through efficiency savings within our organisation and not through any additional contribution from Nexus.”