Release and Chart Performance
"Zooropa" was the opening track from the eponymous album, released on 5 July 1993 by Island Records on CD, cassette, LP, and DCC formats. The song was not released as a single; however, promotional recordings of the song were distributed by Island Records in the United States and Mexico. The U.S. release was distributed on CD in a blank jewel case and featured an edited version of the song that removed the introduction. The Mexico release was distributed on CD in a cardboard sleeve with the album version of the song, as well "Numb" as a second track, also from the Zooropa album. The back of the sleeve featured the lyrics to "Zooropa", while the front of the sleeve featured artwork similar to that of the Zooropa album, except with the title centred and a solid black background. The artwork was designed by Works Associates of Dublin and featured a sketch of the circle of stars from the Flag of Europe with a "sad astronaut" figure in the middle. The illustration, created by Shaughn McGrath, was an alteration of the "graffiti babyface" by Charlie Whisker that was originally taken from the face of the Achtung Baby album artwork. The cover's drawing was meant to represent an urban legend about a Soviet cosmonaut left floating in orbit for weeks after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Within several weeks following the album's release, "Zooropa" appeared on two Billboard charts based on its radio airplay in the United States. On 24 July 1993, it appeared on the Album Rock Tracks chart at number 26, and remained on the chart for ten weeks, eventually peaking at number eight. "Zooropa" also appeared on the Modern Rock Tracks chart on 7 August 1993 at number 28, and peaked at number 13 during its eight weeks on the chart. Three other songs from the album charted as well; however, "Zooropa" was the only non-single chart.
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