Russell Crowe: from movie star to rock star in Melbourne

Actor Russell Crowe hits the stage in Melbourne singing with his band at an iconic city venue.

Father Gabriele Amorth (Russell Crowe) in Screen Gems’ THE POPE’S EXORCIST.

A touch of Hollywood came to Melbourne’s CBD this week with Academy Award-winning actor and director Russell Crowe swapping film for the stage.

The Hollywood heavyweight took on the role of rock star, performing at the iconic Cherry Bar on Wednesday evening as part of Crowe’s Indoor Garden Party tour.

Playing a set of original songs mixed with covers of old rock songs, Crowe also filled the time in between songs with stories of romance and famous friends.

The band is touring up and down the east coast, performing solely at small intimate venues.

Crowe performing two shows at The Cherry Bar and one gig at The Espy before his Melbourne leg wraps.

Russell Crowe photographed last night at the Cherry Bar. Picture: Carbie Warbie Photography       

The Indoor Garden Party tour marks the first time since 2014 Crowe has performed live music gigs in Australia.

In an interview in May Crowe revealed he was given his first guitar at 6-years-old but that his love of music is more about self expression rather than another career.

“It’s not that complex. I don’t sit around forcing myself to write songs, but if I just happen to be experiencing something or I see something that resonates, then sometimes the distillation required for a song is the way to capture that moment, or express how I’m feeling.

“That’s what songs are for,” he said. “Songs can save your life, ease the strain, lift your heart.

“The big things or the small moments. That’s the gift of music.”