Live versions were also aired in July and September, prior to the single release. The song was still in its nascent phase, with a slightly different structure and lyrics as yet fully developed, although the characteristic melody riff and even the CR 7 drum machine intro (later done on a Roland CompuRhythm) can be recognised in the session version.
An early version was also recorded for their second Peel session in April 1980, some months before its official release. There is evidence of the song being played on the group's first headlining tour (see 14 March 1980). It was originally intended to be included on the band's debut album although was not finished in time.
He allegedly wrote the song without Paul Humphreys because his partner was out working as a building site labourer at the time. The subject matter of Enola Gay stems from McCluskey's interest in history and in particular in World War Two.
