Smash Hits Magazine – 11–24 September 1996 – Peter Andre, Spice Girls & Britpop

Original UK Smash Hits Magazine dated 11–24 September 1996, featuring Peter Andre as the main cover star, alongside the Spice Girls during their breakthrough year.

This colourful vintage issue captures the British pop music scene in September 1996, with features on Peter Andre, Spice Girls, Jamiroquai, Kula Shaker, The Fugees, Boyzone, Robbie Williams, Oasis, 3T, Dina Carroll and many other popular artists.

The magazine contains original celebrity interviews, band photographs, music news, reviews, reader features, competitions, advertised posters and a twelve-page songword section.

An excellent piece of original 1990s pop culture memorabilia.

Front Cover – Peter Andre

The front cover features a large photograph of Peter Andre posing as a superhero against a striking blue background decorated with stars and comic-book-style graphics.

Peter is pictured smiling, extending one arm towards the camera and wearing a large red-and-yellow superhero emblem featuring the letter P.

The main cover headline reads:

"Wa-Hey! Super Pete Takes Off!"

The superhero theme reflects the light-hearted, colourful editorial style that made Smash Hits particularly popular during the 1990s.

Peter Andre was enjoying major chart success in 1996, making this issue especially interesting to collectors of his early music career.

The cover also includes references to:

• Kula Shaker

• Tim Vincent

• Jamiroquai

• Zoe Ball

• Boyzone

• Sleeper

• The Fugees

• Robbie Williams

• Oasis

• 3T

The magazine's original UK cover price is shown as 90p.

Spice Girls – Major Feature – Page 19

One of the most significant attractions of this issue is its early coverage of the Spice Girls, during the year they became international pop stars.

The bottom of the front cover features a group photograph of all five original members:

Victoria Adams (Victoria Beckham), Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell.

The group are pictured together in a playful, energetic pose, reflecting their distinctive personalities and the youthful image that helped establish their popularity.

The cover headline announces:

"The Spice Girls! Take Over The Hits!"

The magazine includes a special feature beginning on page 19, discussing the group's sudden success and their experiences during the summer of 1996.

The photographed contents page describes how Smash Hits caught up with the group during their period of chart success.

Spice Girls' Letter

An especially interesting feature appears at the beginning of the magazine.

Rather than the usual editorial introduction, the magazine includes a page headed:

"Spice Girls' Letter"

This brightly coloured page contains a message presented as being from the Spice Girls, discussing their recent activities, chart success and experiences with Smash Hits.

The page features a small photograph of the group and printed signatures from the members.

This is a particularly appealing piece of early Spice Girls memorabilia, dating from the group's breakthrough period following the release of Wannabe.

For collectors of original Spice Girls magazines, this issue provides a contemporary look at the group before their later worldwide success.

Peter Andre – Page 12

Peter Andre receives a dedicated feature beginning on page 12.

The contents page features another photograph of the singer dressed in the superhero outfit seen on the front cover.

The accompanying description promotes the article as a humorous interview exploring Peter's rising popularity.

The feature dates from the period when Peter Andre was establishing himself as one of Britain's most recognisable male pop stars.

His prominent front-cover appearance and accompanying feature make this issue particularly relevant to Peter Andre collectors.

Matthew McConaughey – Page 16

Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey appears in a feature beginning on page 16.

The contents page includes a portrait of the actor and discusses his film career during the mid-1990s.

The article references his appearance alongside Sandra Bullock in A Time to Kill.

An interesting early-career feature for collectors of Matthew McConaughey film memorabilia.

Jamiroquai – Page 25

British funk and acid-jazz group Jamiroquai feature in an article beginning on page 25.

The contents describe an interview involving the band's frontman and his experiences.

Jamiroquai were an important part of the British music scene during the 1990s, combining funk, soul, acid jazz and dance influences.

This feature is particularly relevant to fans of Jay Kay and collectors of 1990s British music publications.

Zoe Ball – Page 26

Television and radio presenter Zoe Ball appears in a feature beginning on page 26.

The article discusses her television career and her role in the Saturday morning programme Live & Kicking.

Zoe Ball was becoming a familiar face on British television during this period, making the feature an interesting example of 1990s television memorabilia.

The Fugees – Page 28

The magazine includes a special feature on American hip-hop and R&B group The Fugees.

The contents page advertises a collection of facts about the chart-topping group.

The Fugees were enjoying enormous success in 1996 following the release of The Score, making this a contemporary feature from one of the most important periods in the group's career.

Particularly interesting for fans of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel.

Tim Vincent – Page 46

British television presenter and actor Tim Vincent appears in a feature beginning on page 46.

The contents page promotes his arrival in the magazine's celebrity coverage.

A colour photograph shows Tim smiling in a casual polo shirt.

This feature is relevant to collectors of 1990s British television and entertainment memorabilia.

Dina Carroll – Page 48

British soul singer Dina Carroll appears in a feature beginning on page 48.

The contents describe the singer's return to the music scene.

Dina Carroll enjoyed considerable success during the 1990s, and this article provides an interesting contemporary record of her career.

3T – Page 50

American R&B group 3T, consisting of Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, feature in an article beginning on page 50.

The contents describe the feature as an opportunity to learn more about the three brothers and their individual personalities.

The group were particularly popular with British pop audiences during the mid-1990s.

This is an appealing inclusion for collectors of 3T and Jackson family memorabilia.

Oasis – Page 59

The magazine includes coverage of Oasis, one of the defining British rock bands of the 1990s.

The contents page advertises a feature exploring the band's experiences and their appearance on MTV Unplugged.

The article refers to Liam and Noel Gallagher and the group's activities during this period.

An interesting addition for Oasis collectors and fans of the Britpop era.

Original Twelve-Page Songword Pull-Out

The photographs clearly show the opening page of the magazine's twelve-page Smash Hits Songword Pull-Out.

This section features a large colour photograph of British rock band Kula Shaker.

The group are pictured together in a studio-style photograph, wearing casual mid-1990s clothing.

The headline reads:

"Kula Shaker – Hoorah for the Kings of Posh!"

The visible songword cover lists the following artists and songs:

• Kula Shaker: Hey Dude

• The Charlatans: One to Another

• Babylon Zoo: The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes

• The Fugees: Ready or Not

• Peter Andre: Flava

• Clock: Oh, What a Night

• Space: Me and You Versus the World

This original printed songword section is particularly interesting to collectors of 1990s music memorabilia.

The opening page is visibly present in the magazine, although the complete twelve-page section has not been individually checked.

Advertised Posters

The photographed contents page includes a dedicated poster section.

The magazine advertises posters featuring:

Tim Vincent

A colour photograph of Tim Vincent appears in the contents section.

He is pictured smiling and wearing a casual short-sleeved top.

The contents identify this as a Tim Vincent poster on page 47.

Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams is listed among the featured poster subjects.

This dates from the early part of his solo career following his departure from Take That.

MN8

British R&B group MN8 are included among the advertised poster subjects.

Dan from EastEnders

The contents also advertise a poster featuring Dan from EastEnders.

Important: The supplied photographs show the poster advertisements and promotional images, but do not individually establish that all advertised posters remain present or complete.

Additional Magazine Features

What's The Story? – Page 4

Six pages of pop news, celebrity stories and entertainment coverage.

The contents reference Robbie Williams, Ant and Dec, Mark Owen, Boyzone and other contemporary celebrities.

Fanbase – Page 44

Fan information, celebrity addresses and reader correspondence.

The photographed contents mention fan information relating to several popular artists, including Bandwatch, Star Rating and Mariah Carey's website.

Mystic Mag – Page 52

The magazine's regular horoscope and astrology feature.

Letters – Page 56

Reader letters, opinions and correspondence.

The contents specifically reference the Spice Girls' involvement in the magazine and the reader reaction to their growing popularity.

Reviews – Pages 63–67

Contemporary singles, albums and film reviews.

The contents advertise coverage of Mel B and Geri reviewing singles, album releases and films including A Time to Kill.

The Biscuit Tin – Page 68

A humorous celebrity interview feature involving Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Boyzone singer Stephen Gately.

Can You Handle It? – Page 71

A celebrity interview featuring Louise Wener of Sleeper.

Collector Interest

This issue captures a fascinating moment in British popular culture.

The Spice Girls were emerging as one of the most successful pop groups of the decade, while Peter Andre, Boyzone and 3T were enjoying considerable popularity.

At the same time, British alternative music remained prominent, with Oasis, Kula Shaker, Sleeper and other bands appearing alongside mainstream pop artists.

The magazine's combination of original photographs, interviews, music journalism and colourful design makes it an appealing collectible.

Particularly suitable for collectors of:

• Peter Andre memorabilia

• Spice Girls and early Girl Power memorabilia

• Original 1990s Smash Hits magazines

• Jamiroquai and Jay Kay

• Kula Shaker and Britpop

• Oasis

• The Fugees

• Boyzone and Robbie Williams

• 3T

• Zoe Ball and Tim Vincent

• 1990s British pop culture

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine showing visible signs of age, handling and storage.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The cover retains its distinctive blue, yellow and red colour scheme.

The main photograph of Peter Andre and the group photograph of the Spice Girls remain clearly visible.

Visible imperfections include:

• Noticeable wear and rubbing along the left-hand spine.

• Several small scuffs and areas of abrasion along the spine edge.

• Minor creasing and handling marks on the front cover.

• Light surface scratches and rubbing.

• Some wear around the lower-left corner.

• Small bends and signs of handling around the cover edges.

• Minor age-related marks and general storage wear.

The cover remains colourful and visually appealing despite these imperfections.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows evidence of previous handling, including stress marks and edge wear.

The magazine opens sufficiently to display the photographed contents and songword pages.

The photographed pages appear attached, although the entire binding has not been checked individually.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages retain clear printing, readable text and colourful illustrations.

The Spice Girls' introductory letter, contents pages and Kula Shaker songword cover are all visibly present.

Some light page curling, edge bending and normal handling wear can be seen.

The interior photographs retain their original printed colour and detail.

No major interior tearing is evident in the photographed sections, although pages not shown have not been individually inspected.

Overall Assessment

Good vintage display condition, with noticeable spine wear, light creasing, surface rubbing and age-related handling marks.

This is a previously owned magazine dating from 1996 and should not be considered mint or unread.

Please inspect all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Original Free Gifts and Promotional Items

Any original loose free gifts, separate promotional items, detachable supplements or additional extras that may originally have accompanied this magazine are no longer included unless clearly visible in the supplied photographs.

The photographed twelve-page songword section is visibly present at least in part.

The completeness of any detachable poster or supplement sections has not been individually verified.

The sale is for the original magazine and the printed material remaining within it, as photographed.

Any original competitions or promotional offers have expired.

Publication Details

Magazine: Smash Hits
Issue Date: 11–24 September 1996
Original UK Cover Price: 90p
Publication Frequency: Fortnightly
Main Cover Star: Peter Andre
Other Featured Artists: Spice Girls, Jamiroquai, Kula Shaker, The Fugees, Boyzone, Robbie Williams, Oasis, 3T, Dina Carroll and Sleeper
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Language: English
Format: Original printed music magazine
Condition: Pre-owned
SKU: 1570

Packaging and Delivery

UK Orders: The magazine will be carefully packaged and sent in a protective hardback envelope to help minimise bending and damage during transit.

International Orders: The magazine will be carefully packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during international delivery.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the actual magazine you will receive.