Released in the Netherlands on October 15, 1977, "A Big Surprise" was issued by CBS Records under catalogue number CBS 5593. The single paired "A Big Surprise" with "Forever Young" and was credited to Sparks, the group formed by brothers Ron Mael and Russell Mael. The release formed part of the group's late-1970s CBS period and showcased the songwriting partnership of Ron and Russell Mael on both sides of the single. According to release information published by the Stichting