Smash Hits Magazine – 13–26 March 1996 – Boyzone, Take That, Jarvis Cocker

Original UK Smash Hits Magazine dated 13–26 March 1996, featuring Boyzone members Ronan Keating and Stephen Gately on the front cover, alongside a major interview with Jarvis Cocker of Pulp and a special farewell feature dedicated to Take That.

This original 1990s pop music magazine captures an important period in British music history, when Take That were announcing their split, Boyzone were becoming increasingly popular, and Britpop was dominating the UK music scene.

The issue also features Supergrass, Celine Dion, Louise, Black Grape, Menswear, Alex James of Blur, Heaven Scent and Robbie Williams, alongside music reviews, celebrity interviews, reader letters, competitions and song lyrics.

An interesting collectible for fans of 1990s pop music, Britpop, boybands and original Smash Hits publications.

Front Cover – Boyzone Phone-In Special

The front cover features a large colour photograph of Ronan Keating and Stephen Gately, two members of Irish pop group Boyzone.

Both are photographed holding telephone receivers as part of the magazine's special reader phone-in feature.

Ronan appears on the right wearing a dark leather-style jacket over a white shirt, smiling and making a telephone gesture with his hand.

Stephen appears behind him on the left, wearing a grey jacket and displaying an exaggerated open-mouthed expression.

The main headline reads:

"It's Good To Talk! – The Great Boyzone Phone-In"

Additional cover text promotes a humorous exchange involving Robbie Williams and Boyzone.

The photograph is typical of Smash Hits' informal 1990s editorial style, featuring playful celebrity portraits and colourful typography.

Boyzone Interview – Page 14

The magazine's contents confirm that the Boyzone phone-in begins on page 14.

Readers were invited to telephone the band and ask questions, with the magazine publishing their answers.

The contents describe the questions as personal, embarrassing and humorous.

This is a particularly interesting feature for collectors of Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham memorabilia.

It provides a contemporary record of Boyzone's growing popularity during 1996.

Take That Farewell Special – Page 31

One of the most significant features in this issue is the Take That farewell pull-out, prominently advertised across the top of the front cover.

The headline reads:

"Take That Farewell Pull-Out! Their Story In Their Own Words"

The contents describe a special 12-page feature covering the group's story, their final appearances and the reaction to their split.

This issue was published shortly after Take That announced their separation in February 1996.

Take That Farewell Coverage

The photographed contents page describes:

• A special 12-page farewell feature.

• The group's story told through their own words.

• Coverage of their final appearances.

• Photographs documenting the end of the group's original era.

• Commentary on what might happen next.

• A retrospective look at the band's career.

• An interview involving Robbie Williams.

The contents also show a small photograph of Take That members onstage during one of their final appearances.

The farewell coverage is particularly relevant to collectors of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Robbie Williams.

The complete 12-page feature has not been individually verified, so buyers should refer to the photographs for the material confirmed present.

Jarvis Cocker – Exclusive Interview – Page 10

The front cover prominently features Jarvis Cocker, lead singer of British Britpop band Pulp.

Jarvis is photographed wearing dark-framed glasses and a black outfit, making a playful gesture towards the camera.

The headline reads:

"Jarvis Hits Out!"

The cover also promotes his comments about Michael Jackson and an incident involving the police.

The contents page confirms a feature beginning on page 10, discussing Jarvis's appearance at the BRIT Awards, his opinions and the subsequent publicity.

This is particularly interesting because it documents the famous 1996 BRIT Awards controversy involving Jarvis Cocker and Michael Jackson.

An excellent period feature for collectors of Pulp, Britpop and 1990s British music culture.

Supergrass – Page 20

British alternative rock band Supergrass are featured in an article beginning on page 20.

The cover promotes:

"Supergrass – Rockin' The Internet (!?)"

The contents describe the group experimenting with the internet, reflecting the early days of online music promotion.

The feature captures the band during the period following their successful debut album I Should Coco.

An interesting piece of early internet and Britpop history.

Black Grape – Page 19

The contents confirm a feature about Black Grape, the group associated with former Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder.

The article features Shaun Ryder and his bandmates, discussing their music and relationships within the group.

The contents include a colour photograph of Shaun Ryder alongside another member of Black Grape.

This is an appealing feature for collectors of Manchester music, Madchester and 1990s alternative rock.

Celine Dion – Page 50

Canadian singer Celine Dion receives a dedicated feature beginning on page 50.

The contents page includes a photograph of Celine and promotes an interview in which she speaks French.

The magazine also advertises her appearance in its entertainment and humour sections.

This issue dates from the period when Celine Dion was enjoying major international success.

Louise – Page 56

British singer Louise, formerly of Eternal, is featured in a dedicated article.

The contents describe a house-hunting feature in which the magazine helps Louise search for a home.

The preview photograph shows Louise wearing a dark jacket while looking through a doorway.

This is a particularly interesting feature for collectors of Louise Redknapp and 1990s British pop music.

Alex James of Blur – Page 67

Alex James, bassist of British Britpop band Blur, receives a feature beginning on page 67.

The contents describe him turning journalist and discussing pop music, celebrities and relationships.

A colour portrait of Alex James is included in the photographed contents page.

The feature provides another interesting connection to the competitive Britpop scene of the mid-1990s.

Heaven Scent – Page 68

The magazine features the emerging boyband Heaven Scent.

The contents describe the group as a new act attracting attention, with comparisons to other contemporary pop groups.

The feature includes a small promotional photograph.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of lesser-known British boybands from the 1990s.

Original Songword Pull-Out – Menswear

The photographs clearly show the opening page of the magazine's original Smash Hits Songwords section.

The page features British Britpop band Menswear, photographed together against a bright yellow background.

The central band member wears an orange shirt, while the other members appear in contrasting casual clothing.

The headline reads:

"Menswear – They're Blokes, But They Wear Make-Up!"

The page promotes the lyrics to the band's song Being Brave.

Other Songs Advertised

The photographed songword page identifies:

• Tina Turner – Whatever You Want

• Menswear – Being Brave

• PJ and Duncan – Stepping Stone

• Garbage – Stupid Girl

• The Beatles – Real Love

• Madonna – One More Chance

The original contents describe the songword feature as part of the magazine's regular music supplement.

The photographed opening page is present, but the completeness of the original songword section has not been independently verified.

Advertised Posters and Pull-Out Features

The photographed contents page includes a dedicated poster section advertising several artists and personalities.

Kate Winslet

A poster featuring British actress Kate Winslet is advertised.

The issue dates from the period following her acclaimed appearance in Sense and Sensibility.

PJ and Duncan

A poster featuring PJ and Duncan, better known as Ant and Dec, is advertised.

The photographed songword section also includes a prominent printed reference to a PJ and Duncan pull-out poster.

Matt LeBlanc

A poster featuring American actor Matt LeBlanc, known for playing Joey Tribbiani in Friends, is advertised.

Robbie Williams

A poster featuring former Take That member Robbie Williams is listed.

Take That

A poster featuring Take That is advertised as part of the issue's farewell coverage.

Heaven Scent

A poster featuring the boyband Heaven Scent is also listed.

Jarvis Cocker

A poster featuring Jarvis Cocker is advertised.

Important: The subjects above are identified in the original contents. The photographs do not establish that every advertised poster remains complete or attached. Please refer to the actual photographs when assessing the included material.

Additional Magazine Contents

What's The Story? – Page 4

The magazine's regular celebrity news section, covering music, television and entertainment.

Topics include the BRIT Awards, celebrity gossip and contemporary pop culture.

Message Board – Page 22

Reader contributions and messages.

Fanbase – Page 48

Fan information and correspondence, including music-related discussions, fan club details and reader contributions.

Free Stuff – Page 52

A celebrity-themed competition section.

Advertised prizes include items associated with Robbie Williams, Louise and Brian Harvey.

Letters – Page 54

Reader correspondence, questions and opinions.

Horoscopes – Page 58

The magazine's regular astrology and horoscope feature.

Reviews – Page 61

Contemporary music and entertainment reviews.

Can You Handle It? – Page 71

A celebrity question-and-answer feature involving Shane Richie.

Competitions and Giveaways

The photographed contents page promotes several competitions and promotional offers.

These include:

• A competition associated with the animated film Toy Story.

• Celebrity-related promotional prizes.

• Music and entertainment giveaways.

• A competition featuring Damon Hill.

All competitions are historical and have expired.

Historical and Collector Interest

This issue represents an especially interesting moment in British popular music during March 1996.

Take That had recently announced their split, Boyzone were establishing themselves as major pop stars, and Jarvis Cocker was attracting widespread attention following the BRIT Awards.

The magazine also documents the growing influence of Britpop through coverage of Pulp, Blur, Supergrass and Menswear.

The original Smash Hits editorial style is strongly represented, combining humorous celebrity interviews, colourful photography, fan correspondence, music news, song lyrics and entertainment features.

The front cover retains its distinctive large red Smash Hits lettering against a white background.

The original UK cover price of 90p is clearly visible.

This magazine will particularly appeal to collectors of:

• Original 1990s Smash Hits magazines

• Boyzone memorabilia

• Take That farewell memorabilia

• Robbie Williams

• Jarvis Cocker and Pulp

• Britpop and 1990s alternative music

• Supergrass and Blur

• Vintage British pop culture publications

Condition – Important Information

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

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The front cover retains strong colours and the main photographs remain clearly visible.

However, there are several noticeable imperfections:

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

• Multiple small scuffs and abrasions along the spine fold.

• Areas of stress and minor splitting along the spine edge.

• Noticeable wear around the lower-left corner.

• Small creases and bends along the lower cover edge.

• Minor surface scratches and handling marks.

• Light wear around the upper corners.

• Slight curvature and age-related creasing.

• Small marks and discolouration in places.

A noticeable brownish mark is visible across part of the barcode area on the lower-right front cover.

The lower cover edge also shows several small creases and areas of wear.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows noticeable evidence of previous handling.

There are small areas of rubbing, creasing and edge wear along its length.

Some stress is visible near the upper and lower spine areas.

The photographed interior pages remain attached at the visible binding.

Interior Pages

• The photographed interior pages retain colourful printing.

• Minor curling and bending are visible.

• Light handling creases may be present.

• Some page edges show wear.

• The photographed text remains readable.

• The opening page of the songword section is visibly present.

• The complete magazine has not been individually checked page by page.

Overall Condition

Fair to good vintage condition, with noticeable spine wear, cover-edge wear, surface marks and age-related handling imperfections.

This is not a mint or unread example.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, particularly the front cover, spine, lower corners and interior pages.

Original Free Gifts and Promotional Items

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

The photographed songword section is present at least in part.

The completeness of the advertised farewell pull-out and original poster selection has not been individually verified.

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

Publication Details

Magazine: Smash Hits
Issue Date: 13–26 March 1996
Original UK Cover Price: 90p
Publication Frequency: Fortnightly
Main Cover Stars: Ronan Keating and Stephen Gately of Boyzone
Other Featured Artists: Take That, Jarvis Cocker, Supergrass, Black Grape, Menswear, Celine Dion, Louise and others
Language: English
Country: United Kingdom
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 inspect all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the actual magazine you will receive.