Operation Ivy

Operation Ivy was a ska/punk band that originated from the East Bay of San Francisco. The band consisted of frontman Jesse Michaels (vocals), Tim Armstrong ("Lint") (Vocals/Guitar),

Operation Ivy was a ska/punk band that originated from the East Bay of San Francisco. The band consisted of frontman Jesse Michaels (vocals), Tim Armstrong ("Lint") (Vocals/Guitar), Matt Freeman (Matt McCall) (Bass/Backing Vocals), and Dave Mello (Drums/Backing Vocals). Their name was derived from the Operation Ivy series of nuclear tests. Two of their members, Armstrong and Freeman, also perform(ed) with the bands Rancid (their current, and biggest project), Basic Radio, Downfall and Shaken 69. Armstrong also went on to perform with The Transplants and contribute to Dance Hall Crashers. Additionally, Freeman has performed with Auntie Christ, Generator, MDC, and Social Distortion. Mello went on to perform with Schlong. There was a great deal of speculation regarding the fate of Michaels, with many fans believing that he had moved to Nicaragua or became a Buddhist monk. Michaels eventually resurfaced into the music world with a project band, Big Rig, and later with a more active band, Common Rider, which included bassist Mass Giorgini (of Screeching Weasel) and drummer Dan Lumley (of Squirtgun). Common Rider released two full-length albums and did some nationwide touring in the United States before eventually disbanding.

Started in '87 / Ended in '89 / You got a garage or an amp, we'll play anytime / It was just the four of us, / Yeah man, the core of us, / Too much attention unavoidably destroyed us