A GWENT quiz show contestant who famously hadn't a clue is now facing serious problems because he hasn't a bass player for his band.

Barry Bessant, pictured, who shot to prominence when Weakest Link host Anne Robinson branded him the "thickest link" on national TV, fears he may have to cancel a tour of the UK and Ireland if he can't find a bassist.

"The first gig is in three weeks, and unless we can find someone we may have to cancel the gigs," he told the Argus. "We don't want to do that."

The tour came about following the success of Mr Bessant's musical The Vagabond of the Western World, which premiered in Bristol earlier this year.

The show, which Mr Bessant wrote and directed, developed from a Thin Lizzy song of the same name and was built around 21 songs by the legendary Irish rockers.

Now the Roisin Dubh - which promotes the work of Thin Lizzy and is raising funds to erect a statue to the band's creative force Phil Lynott - has invited the band which played in the show to play in Dublin on January 4. A first gig has been arranged at Bristol's QEH Theatre on September 15, with further dates to be confirmed shortly.

Mr Bessant, 40, who works as technical manager in a Bristol theatre said: "I would really like to find someone from Wales if we can, as the band is predominantly Welsh. But they need to be an accomplished bassist, with their own equipment, who is willing to put in three weeks of hard work to be ready for the first gig."

As well as songs by Thin Lizzy, the band will also be tackling arrangements of songs by bands like Bon Jovi, Extreme and Queen.

Interest in the show has been such that Mr Bessant hopes that after a tour with the band, the stage show could tour next year. And talks are going ahead about possibly releasing a CD of the show.

"Reaction has just been incredible," said Mr Bessant.

Potential bassists, with their own equipment, can contact Mr Bessant on 07779 766382.