A question about Nena's 99 luft balloons

[Ken]

I know alot of us here remember this one hit wonder from 1984. My question is a buddy of mine bought the single at the time and there was an english version on the b side (99 Red balloons) did this recieve any radio play anywhere? I only remember hearing the german version.

[SAT-I need more room!!]

I definitely remember both versions, so the English version must have received Top 40 radio station play.

[Pete70s]

I think the German side was the one that charted.

When I play this at the club I will ONLY play the German version!

[smittykins--70s pop RULES!]

I have heard both, though the German version was more prevalent.

[Boogieman]

I think it depended upon the regional market. Here in Atlanta we heard the English version almost exclusively. I think the German version is superior and is the proper track to play.

Oddly, the only airplay the German version receives is on alternative stations. Retro-80's stations here continue to cling desperately to the translated side.

[Dawn]

I remember hearing both versions when it was current, but the English version definitely received the most airplay. In recent years, though, I've heard the German version almost exclusively.

[55dodger]

I think even Armed Forces Radio & TV Service (AFRTS) played the German version. Since I was overseas in 1984, AFRTS was my radio link.

[Railyn]

We heard both around here, but the all-German version is the one I prefer - the lyrics don't translate well into English.

[djdave]

In Syracuse, 93Q and 104.7 KFM played ONLY the English version, and on Casey's American top 40, only the German version was played at first, but sometimes Casey made a "mix" of the German and English versions.
Nowadays, I primarily hear the German version, but I might look up the English version, so I can have that on CD as well.