Twenty years ago, Southern California rockers blink-182 released their fast-paced, pop-punk driven record Enema of State. The album went on to sell 15 million copies worldwide and helped encapsulate the band’s reign as one of the most recognizable pop-punk outfits at the turn of the millennium.
The 1999 release had an extensive impact on contemporary pop-punk, reinventing the rules of the genre while also defying modern pop culture. Veteran producer Jerry Finn, who previously worked on Green Day’s breakthrough record Dookie, strategically polished the band’s sound with a more radio-friendly spin — contributing to the album’s heavy run across MTV and VH1 Top 40. The album artwork alone helped secure the record’s “Parental Advisory” sticker, having featured prominent adult entertainer Janine Lindemulder on the cover. Its autobiographical lyrics detailing adolescent frustration, relationships, and suburban parties became cult anthems for teenagers across the world. “Adam’s Song” shed light on mental health awareness, “What’s My Age Again?” celebrated immaturity, and “Going Away To College” made us face the unavoidable demise of growing up.
Fast forward to present day, blink-182 has released four more studio albums and continues to amass 10 million monthly listeners across streaming services. As a celebration of the record’s milestone, the band is paying homage to their 1999 release by playing the LP in its entirety on their upcoming tour alongside fellow Ernie Ball artist, Neck Deep as well as 2000’s rap phenom, Lil Wayne. Make sure to catch them on tour at a city near you this summer.
Listen to Enema of State
Pursuit of Tone
Ernie Ball highlights the blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves guitarist and songwriter in an exclusive AT&T Original documentary. Experience the stories behind DeLonge’s early influences in the San Diego skate scene to his sonic evolution producing sounds for blink-182, Box Car Racer, and Angels & Airwaves, as well as his passion for film, novels, animation and constant artistic exploration.
Strings
blink-182 has relied on Ernie Ball since their release of Enema. Tom DeLonge plays with Ernie Ball Custom Gauge Nickel Wound 52’s and Skinny Top Heavy Bottom electric guitar strings. When playing acoustic guitar, Delonge chooses Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Medium Light strings. Bassist Mark Hoppus relies on Super Slinky bass strings.
English
Chinese (Traditional)
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Russian
Spanish