Jesse Michaels
Apr 1, 1969 - Berkeley, California, USA
Jesse Michaels (born April 1, 1969) is an American songwriter, painter, illustrator, musician, singer, and author from Berkeley, California. His lyrics deal with politics, racism, and general social issues. He is most well known as the vocalist for the ska punk bands Operation Ivy (1987–1989), Common Rider (1999–2003), as well as Classics of Love (2009–approx. 2012). In 2023 Michaels formed the band DOOM Regulator.[1] He is the son of the author Leonard Michaels, and was married to producer Audrey Marrs.
In 1987 he formed the band Operation Ivy with guitarist Tim Armstrong, bassist Matt Freeman, and drummer Dave Mello. They quickly became a popular band especially at the Berkeley punk club 924 Gilman Street. In 1987, the group released its debut extended play Hectic on which Michaels wrote all of the lyrics. It was followed with an American tour which brought the group's work all around the country, and made Operation Ivy a very well respected band. Operation Ivy recorded and released its only studio album Energy in 1989 and broke up the same year. Michaels also co-wrote the music to the Green Day song "2,000 Light Years Away" from their second album Kerplunk (1992). He later formed Big Rig in 1994. Big Rig released one extended play and played several gigs around 924 Gilman Street before breaking up.