When Blink-182 dropped Enema of the State in 1999, it wasn’t just the music that caused a stir—it was the album cover, too. Featuring adult film star Janine Lindemulder dressed as a sultry nurse, the artwork quickly became iconic. But if you’ve looked closely at different versions of the album, you might have noticed something’s missing.
Originally, Lindemulder’s nurse hat sported a bold red cross—a detail that landed the band in hot water. The American Red Cross stepped in, warning Blink-182 that the symbol is legally protected under the Geneva Conventions. It’s meant to identify medical and humanitarian aid, not pop-punk records.
Rather than face legal trouble, the band made the change. Later pressings of Enema of the State removed the red cross entirely. Along with that tweak, the band also settled on using a lowercase “b” in their name on the cover—another quiet shift from the original version that only eagle-eyed fans might’ve clocked.
Today, that censored cover is the one you’ll find on streaming platforms, CDs, and vinyl. It’s a small but fascinating piece of Blink-182 lore—and just one more reason the Enema era remains one of the most talked-about in pop punk history.
Win a Vinyl Copy of Blink-182’s Enema of the State!
To celebrate 26 years of pop punk perfection, we’re giving away a vinyl copy of Blink-182’s Enema of the State! All you need to do is sign up to the Reckless Press mailing list. That’s it. No strings, just good music—and one very lucky winner. Entries close Friday, June 7 at 6PM (UK time). The winner will be contacted shortly after!
