RUSSELL CROWE - CROWE DEVOTES HIMSELF TO MUSIC

Hollywood hardman RUSSELL CROWE is devoting the start of the new year (06) to his first passion, and absorbing himself in music.

The antipodean actor has been booked for a string of shows, including a high profile performance in Canberra as part of his home nation's Australia day (26JAN06) celebrations with his band THE ORDINARY FEAR OF GOD.

Crowe will also appear alongside PAUL KELLY and JOHN WILLIAMSON at the Country Music Awards on 28 January (06).