UNITY! Rancid & Operation Ivy

So I went to see Rancid last night at the Warfield. I don't think the tour was for anything specific, like a new album, so it was awesome. A lot of time bands that are touring to release a 'new album' tend to ONLY play songs off of that rather than the standards that made them famous. Last night was awesome because I think Rancid played every popular song they had and then some.Even more AMAZING was something else though. I was privelaged to see the closest thing to an Operation Ivy reunion that has ever happened...

They brought Jesse up on Stage to perform 'Unity.' Although, they were missing a drummer, seeing Jesse, Tim, and Matt play unity was fucking awesome.

Operation Ivy was an innovative and great punk-ska band. They helped pave the way for many third wave ska bands. Operation Ivy was together for two years, from 1987- 1989. During that time, it was estimated that they played about 200 shows. Their music fused a blend of ska and punk. During the band's short duration, they released many seven inches and comps, and even a full length album, Energy. In 1989, the band broke up, some citing the increase in popularity and cries of sell out. However, to this day the true reason of the break-up is unknown. Operation Ivy played their last show on May 25, 1989 at their legendary club 924 Gilman Street.

Although the band is gone, people are still finding out about Operation Ivy. Records sales of Energy double every year, with estimates of about 500,000. In fact, Energy is #43 on the list of the top 50 albums to come out of California.

Since then, they have NEVER played another show - that is until last night.

I'm sure there will be some news of this somewhere. Anyways, between that and the energy of the crowd, I'd have to say that it was one of the best shows that I have seen in a long time.