Burgess: 'Phoenix dedicated to rap career'

Tim Burgess has said that his friend Joaquin Phoenix is dedicated to whatever job he sets his mind to.

The Charlatans frontman told Bang Showbiz that the actor-turned-musician was taking his new career as a rapper seriously.

Burgess said: "Have you seen that film where he plays Johnny Cash, Walk The Line? He's just like that.

"Actually, he is really dedicated to whatever cause, whether it's the music or acting. I've seen him do music then have to go off and do a film and he's more focused than anyone I've ever seen."

He added: "With his new thing, I think historically when he was a kid he used to rap and stuff like that."

"I mean I've not seen him for two years, but whatever's happening is happening and I think it's going the way he wants it to go."

Burgess and Phoenix collaborated on a musical project before the Gladiator star announced that he had retired from acting and turned to rap music.