Biography of Operation Ivy

Mixing hardcore punk with ska music inspired by the Specials, Operation Ivy formed in May 1987 from the ashes of a handful of Bay Area bands. Comprising vocalist Jesse Michaels, guitarist/vocalist Lint (Tim Armstrong), bassist Matt McCall (Freeman), and drummer Dave Mello with saxophone player Paul Bae, the band recorded the Vulnerability single for Lookout! Records in 1987. The Hectic EP followed later that year, but Operation Ivy broke up in May 1989, just before the release of debut album Energy. Michaels later joined Big Rig, while McCall and Armstrong played in Downfall before forming Rancid in the early '90s. ~ John Bush