The single was released in August 1977 after the band had performed a five-date tour supporting Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
1" was the first new wave single to be playlisted by the BBC and the Boomtown Rats subsequently became the first new wave band to be offered an appearance on Top of the Pops, performing the song.
[3] The song reached number 2 on the Irish Singles Chart and spent nine weeks on the UK Singles Chart reaching a peak of number 11.
[3] Reviewer David Clancy described the song as having a "breakneck sneering selfishness".
1" as the last song of their final performance, part of the Self Aid Irish fundraiser.