Why Operation Ivy Will Always Be Better Than Rancid

Melissa Fossum July 12, 2012 11:00AM

Ronald Reagan's wars, both on drugs and against the "evil empire," made the '80s a prime time to be a punk band. The scene was ripe in California, notably in the Bay Area, as 924 Gilman Street opened and crossover genres exploded in popularity.

At the heart of it all was seminal ska/punk band Operation Ivy, which performed just under 200 shows over the course of a two-year lifespan.

When the band imploded, Tim Armstrong and Matt Freedman formed Rancid, and enjoyed a long, fruitful career. But guess what? Operation Ivy is better than Rancid, and it always will be.

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Melissa Fossum

Contact: Melissa Fossum