Prior to 1991, Rancid vocalist/guitarist Tim Armstrong and bassist/vocalist Matt Freeman played together in a band called Operation Ivy. Op Ivy existed between 1987 and 1989. After they broke up, Armstrong developed an alcohol addiction. Two somewhat successful bands followed: the hardcore group Generator and the ska-influenced Dance Hall Crashers. Freeman knew that he had to keep Armstrong engaged in music so that he didn't slip further into his addiction, so he suggested forming a new band called Rancid in 1991.
Rancid is one of the most successful independent bands of all time. They started on Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz's Epitaph label, then moved to Hellcat Records, which Tim Armstrong set up with Gurewitz. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Dropkick Murphys are among the acts that have been on Hellcat's roster.
Rancid drummer Branden Steineckert previously played drums for The Used but left the band in 2006. Steineckert's departure was unexpected but refreshing for both parties, with Steineckert excited that his first show with Rancid was in front of 2,500 screaming kids in London, England.
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