The song was released on September 24, 1982. At that time, it did not get into the top 40 in the United States or the United Kingdom. It peaked at #44 in December 1982. Later, after "Little Red Corvette" hit the top 10, "1999" peaked at #12 in the U.S. in July 1983. The Linn LM-1 and LinnDrum were heard in this song.