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| History |
| Operation Ivy started off in the California Bay Area (Near Berkely) in and around '87. Lint and Matt who were in a band called Basic Radio and Jesse who was in S.A.G. (among many other bands) got together with Dave and started playing. When the band picked up they started playing at the popular Gilman Street Club, where many other popular bands including Green Day got their start. They got signed with Lookout Records and released there first album. As their popularity increased and they released new albums, they continued to grow. Finally, cries of "Sell Out" were heard from fans, and the pressure caused the breakup of the band. To hear more about this breakup checkout the lyrics to the Rancid song "Journey To The End Of The East Bay", it is all about Operation Ivy... The reason for OPIVYs brekup are that EMI had been pressuring them to sign for a 2 album contract. They only wanted to be a local band, they didn't want to be on a major lable. They reportedly broke up so they wouldn't die from sucsess. Then a year or so later, Jesse became a missionary in Nicaragua. He's now back in Berkley working for Lookout! Records. After Op Ivy's breakup the the members went their seperate ways... Jesse joined Big Rig after OpIvy. And then it is said that he went off and became a missionary in South America. His where abouts now are unknown, some have said he does art for Lookout!, others say he is living in New Jersey with his Mother. The truth, I still do not know. Dave joined Schlong with his brother, and Op Ivy roadie Pat. And then later went off with Tim, and Matt. Dave was in Downfall after Op Ivy with Tim and Matt After Downfall Tim and Matt went on to join the popular Ska/Punk group Rancid. If you are wondering about Matts last name, It is really Freeman, Jesse gave him the name McCall after a TV Character on The Equalizer with whom he had some similarities. |
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| Operation Ivy was: Jesse Michaels - Lead Vocals Tim 'Lint' Armstrong - Guitar & Vocals Matt McCall (Freeman) - Bass & Vocals Dave Mello - Drums & Vocals (Paul Bae - Plays Sax In Certain songs) |
| Discography |
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| This is the only Operation Ivy album. It was first released in 87-89 (dunno exactly) only on tape and was self-titled. |
| It was then later re-released in 1991 on CD with extra tracks off the 'Hectic' EP and 'Turn It Around' compilation. It was also re-named 'Energy'. |
| Recommended Tracks |
| Knowledge Sound System Take Warning Unity Bad Town Smiling Sleep Long Healthy Body |
| My Comments |
| Well it's a damn shame they split up, just think if corporate America didn't hassle them they might be still together. 1/2 of Op Ivy went on to form one of the best punk band's (in my opinion), Rancid. They formed the year I was born so it would've been impossible to see 'em live. :(. Probably one of the most influentional band's for today's modern Ska/Punk band's. Defently check them out! |
| Click Here to Visit 'A Tribute to Operation Ivy' Website. (The best Op Ivy website, apart from my page of course!) |