"Gladiator" star Russell Crowe has split from his rock band and is planning to launch a solo career.

The Hollywood actor, who has been playing with rock group "30 Odd Foot of Grunts" in his spare time, has posted a message on his website saying: "My band would seem to have dissolved."

Crowe admits he is happy about the split because it will allow him to focus on writing his own material.

"I can now enjoy writing unrestricted, talking from my heart and my mind."

He intends to focus on his solo career and claims he is delighted with his debut single "Raewyn".