Russell Lissack

Template:Guitarist infobox Russell Lissack is the lead guitarist of London-based indie rock band Bloc Party. Born on the 11th March, 1981 he grew up in Chingford, London, and went to Bancroft's School in Woodford, Essex. He then studied Sociology at London South Bank University, dropping out weeks before graduation so he could tour with Bloc Party. He does not do many interviews, (and when he does, he keeps words to a minimum) and he shies away from the camera, leading many to believe that he is quite quiet.

When Bloc Party became popular mid 2004, Russell was noted for his distinctive 'Emo' haircut, involving a triangular fringe covering a large part of his face and head.

Although he has an extremely wiry, scraping, spiky, sharp, metalic, cutting solo sound, derived from the use of a telecaster, he also uses his effects pedals to create ambient sounds (such as the delay effect at the beginning of 'Like Eating Glass').

Trivia

• His least favourite game on the n64 is Super Smash Brothers.
• Despite improving, he still regularly fails to beat his housemate at Pro Evolution Soccer 5 on the PS2.
• Russell purloined a Kanye West stage prop, leading him to be declared by the US artist as "long dead in my eyes".
• Russell likes Chorley and Coleman.

Equipment

Lissack's main guitar is the Fender Telecaster, although it has been suggested that he has an affinity for multicoloured fake Stratocasters. He uses a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amplifier.

Russell uses a variety of guitar effects live and in the studio, so many that it is difficult to track exactly which are used at any given point. From eye-witness accounts/interviews it has been suggested that he uses the following effects:

• BOSS DD-6 Delay.
• BOSS DD-5 Delay.
• BOSS DD-3 Delay.
• BOSS DS-1 Distortion
• BOSS DS-2 Turbo Distortion.
• BOSS PS-5 Super Shifter (pitch shifter).
• BOSS SYB-3 Bass Synth
• BOSS PW-10 Wah (Not used live).
• Jim Dunlop Crybaby Wah.
• Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah pedal.
• Electro-Harmonix Big Muff
• Boss TU-2 Tuner
• Line6 FM4
• Earnie Ball 6165 Stereo Volume/Pan Pedal
• Digitech Whammy Pitchshift and wah and all other craziness.

Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list, and it has been suggested that some may have been tweaked or modified.

Influences

He cites some of his major influences as Suede, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, New Order, The Smiths, Prince, Weezer, Escaflowne, David Gray, and late-90s Trance music.