Russell Senior

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Russell Senior (born 18 May 1961, in Sheffield, England) is the former guitarist and violinist of the band Pulp.

Whilst at University in Bath, Senior formed the "Dada Society" and appeared as the lead role (Joseph K) in a dramatic adaptation of Kafka's "The Trial". The Dada Society was also known as the New Wave Society. He started playing guitar around the same time (circa 1983). He also arranged for a gig at the University featuring his mates from Sheffield - Pulp. Although he obtained a first class honours degree in Business Administration, he went back to Sheffield to join Pulp. During the Miner's strike of 1984 he acted as a Flying picket. This would be around the year he graduated.

Senior first met Pulp in 1980 when he reviewed a show of theirs for his fanzine. He joined the third line-up of the band in 1983, the other members being Jarvis Cocker (vocals/guitar), Magnus Doyle (drums) and Peter Mansell (bass). During the mid 1980s he was a central member of the group, often taking vocal duties. As the band changed direction in the 1990s Senior's contribution became often less apparent, and on January 20, 1997 he left Pulp to work on other projects.

In 1999 he formed Venini with Debbie Lime (vocals), Nick Eastwood (bass - later with Dolly TV and Hiem), Bob Barton (Drums - later with The Human League), and Danny Hunt (keyboards - later with Ladytron). They released three singles before splitting in 2000. Russell has also worked as a producer with Baby Birkin and more recently The Long Blondes.

In March 2006, British indie band Art Brut invited Russell Senior to produce their second album.