The punk scene is marking the 20th anniversary of its ongoing wait for an Operation Ivy reunion at Riot Fest — a reunion that has yet to happen. Despite no official announcement, the buzz remains strong and the community’s hope undimmed.
Last year’s Riot Fest featured a standout Operation Ivy tribute set, where Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace teamed up with Philadelphia’s ska outfit Catbite to bring over 20 Op Ivy classics back to life. Tracks like "Knowledge," "Sound System," and "Jaded" energized the crowd, and the live album released from that set raised funds for wildfire relief.
The legacy of anticipation extends beyond performances: back in 2021, Laura Jane Grace launched a petition on Change.org pushing for the band’s reunion, emphasizing Riot Fest’s reputation as a hub for iconic band reunions and calling the Op Ivy reunion "the only punk band reunion that matters anymore."
Fans remain nostalgic but hopeful, with conversations about possibly organizing a dedicated Reunion Fest circulating within the punk community. For now, the wait continues — but the desire for an official Operation Ivy appearance at Riot Fest burns as fiercely as ever.
Source: r/riotfest