Operation Ivy was a highly influential ska/punk band that originated from the East Bay of San Francisco and was active from 1987 through 1989. They were credited as one of the first ska punk bands, influencing bands such as The Suicide Machines, Choking Victim and Authority Zero, to name a few.

The band consisted of frontman Jesse Michaels (vocals), Tim Armstrong (Credited as “Lint”) (Vocals/Guitar), Matt Freeman (Credited as 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 Transplants and contribute to Dance Hall Crashers and on solo work.

Additionally, Freeman has performed with Auntie Christ, Generator, MDC and Social Distortion.

Mello went on to perform with ... read more »