Smash Hits Magazine – 5–18 June 1996 – Darren Day, Oasis, Boyzone, Louise & Ash

Original UK Smash Hits Magazine dated 5–18 June 1996, featuring entertainer Darren Day on the front cover, alongside coverage of Oasis, Boyzone, Louise, Ash, Gina G, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Dodgy and other popular music and television personalities.

This vintage fortnightly music magazine captures British pop culture during the summer of 1996, combining Britpop, boy bands, television personalities, rock music, celebrity interviews, song lyrics, competitions and colourful photography.

The magazine is particularly interesting for collectors of 1990s British entertainment memorabilia, with a prominent Darren Day cover feature, coverage of Oasis and Boyzone, and an original eight-page songword section photographed inside.

Front Cover – Darren Day

The front cover features a large, full-length colour photograph of Darren Day, the British singer, actor and television entertainer.

Darren is photographed standing against a pale background, wearing a light grey short-sleeved polo shirt and blue jeans.

His hairstyle, casual clothing and the magazine's distinctive purple and blue typography reflect the mid-1990s pop-magazine aesthetic.

The main cover headline reads:

"Darren Day"

The accompanying text promotes an interview discussing his appearance in the television programme Summer Holiday, actress Anna Friel and practical jokes.

Another headline humorously references Cliff Richard.

This is an interesting contemporary Darren Day cover from a period when he was a familiar figure in British musical theatre and television entertainment.

Other Front-Cover Highlights

Oasis – The Love Story of the Decade

A feature advertised with a photograph of Noel and Liam Gallagher.

Boyzone

The Irish pop group is prominently advertised across the top of the cover.

Louise

A football-themed feature involving Louise, illustrated with a photograph of the singer holding a football.

Metallica

A feature involving Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and the magazine's humorous Biscuit Tin section.

Gina G, Ash, Bryan Adams and Dodgy

All four artists are advertised across the top of the cover.

Damon Albarn

A humorous football-related story is promoted on the left-hand side of the cover.

The original UK cover price of 90p remains visible.

Magazine Contents and Featured Artists

The photographed contents pages provide an excellent overview of this issue's interviews, music coverage, celebrity features and competitions.

Darren Day – Page 12

The magazine's main cover star receives a dedicated feature.

The contents describe Darren discussing his public image, while the cover advertises additional stories about Summer Holiday, Anna Friel and practical jokes.

The contents page includes another photograph of Darren wearing sunglasses, a grey polo shirt and blue jeans.

An appealing feature for collectors of Darren Day memorabilia and 1990s British television entertainment.

Gina G – Page 16

Australian singer Gina G receives a feature following her Eurovision appearance with Ooh Aah... Just a Little Bit.

The contents page refers to her success and discusses her Eurovision experience.

An interesting inclusion for Eurovision collectors and fans of 1990s dance-pop music.

Let's Rock – Page 20

A music feature discussing bands, fashion and rock culture.

The contents describe bandanas, tight trousers and other aspects of rock music presentation.

Louise – Page 22

British singer Louise receives a dedicated feature.

The contents advertise a football-related interview involving Louise, Daniel Dichio and Scott Minto.

The magazine includes a large photograph of Louise wearing a grey USA sweatshirt and holding a football.

This is a particularly interesting period feature combining pop music and football culture during the summer of 1996.

Steve Lamacq – Page 46

A feature involving BBC Radio 1 DJ and music presenter Steve Lamacq.

The contents refer to his radio programme and an exchange involving DJ Freshy D.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of alternative music, Britpop and 1990s British radio memorabilia.

Mikey Graham / Boyzone – Page 48

A dedicated feature involving Mikey Graham of Boyzone.

The contents describe this as part of a series of Boyzone interviews.

This issue therefore offers more than a brief reference to the Irish pop group, making it relevant to dedicated Boyzone collectors.

Ash – Page 50

Northern Irish rock band Ash receive a feature.

The contents advertise an interview discussing the band and their music.

Ash were an important part of the 1990s alternative rock scene, and this is a contemporary example of their coverage in a mainstream British pop magazine.

Oasis and Britpop

Oasis are promoted prominently on the front cover, with Noel and Liam Gallagher pictured together.

The magazine also includes Britpop-related coverage of Blur and Damon Albarn.

These features capture the period when Oasis and Blur were among the most widely discussed British bands.

Metallica – Page 66

The magazine features Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich in a humorous article titled The Biscuit Tin.

The photographed contents page shows a large preview image of Lars Ulrich with a biscuit-themed headline.

The feature reflects Smash Hits' light-hearted editorial approach to rock and heavy metal artists.

Search Out the Stars in Manchester – Page 69

A feature involving Manchester United football personalities.

The contents specifically mention Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona, alongside other football stars.

This adds an interesting sporting element to the issue and reflects the overlap between football and pop culture during 1996.

Original Eight-Page Songword Pull-Out

An eight-page Smash Hits songword section is clearly photographed inside the magazine.

The photographed opening page features a large black-and-white promotional image of Bryan Adams, with the headline:

"We Search Out Bryan's Boozer"

The songword section advertises lyrics from several popular artists of the period.

Featured Songs

Bryan Adams – The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You

A song from Bryan Adams' 1996 album 18 til I Die.

Celine Dion – Because You Loved Me

One of Celine Dion's best-known ballads from the mid-1990s.

Dodgy – In a Room

A track from British alternative rock band Dodgy.

Metallica – Until It Sleeps

A single from Metallica's 1996 album Load.

Livin' Joy – Don't Stop Movin'

A popular dance track from the 1990s.

The Fugees – Killing Me Softly

The Fugees' interpretation of the well-known song, released during their international breakthrough period.

Louise – Naked

A solo single by British singer Louise.

The pull-out is an appealing feature for collectors of original printed song lyrics and 1990s pop music publications.

The photographed opening page remains attached within the magazine. The complete eight-page section has not been individually checked.

Printed Poster Features

The magazine's contents page advertises a selection of celebrity posters featuring:

Mariah Carey

The internationally successful American singer.

Jamie Redknapp

English footballer and Liverpool midfielder.

Louise

British pop singer and former member of Eternal.

Mike Flowers

British musician and entertainer associated with the Mike Flowers Pops.

Mikey from Boyzone

Mikey Graham, member of the Irish boy band.

Darren Day

British singer, actor and television entertainer.

The magazine combines music and football personalities in its advertised poster selection, reflecting the celebrity interests of Smash Hits readers during 1996.

Important: The poster selection is advertised on the photographed contents page, but the complete original posters have not been individually verified in the supplied photographs. They should not be assumed complete or separately included.

Additional Features and Regular Sections

Page 4 – What's the Story?

A selection of music and entertainment news stories, including references to popular artists and television personalities.

Page 26 – Mystic Mag

Horoscopes and the magazine's humorous astrology feature.

Page 54 – Letters

Reader correspondence, comments and opinions.

Page 56 – Fanbase

A three-page section of fan information and reader material.

Page 60 – Singles Reviews

Reviews of contemporary singles, including music by Let Loose, Mark Morrison, Deuce, Ocean Colour Scene and Bis.

Page 61 – Albums Reviews

The contents advertise album reviews involving Sean Maguire, Bryan Adams and Gloria Estefan.

Page 63 – Film Reviews

Reviews of contemporary films, including Up Close & Personal, Muppet Treasure Island, Dennis the Menace, Now and Then, Little Giants and Walk in the Clouds.

Page 71 – Can You Handle It?

A regular reader challenge featuring a music-related quiz.

Competitions and Giveaways

The magazine advertises several original competitions.

Page 18 – Free Stuff

A giveaway involving Snickers products.

Page 42 – Win

A competition offering signed Ash merchandise.

Page 45 – Win

A competition involving tickets to the Junior European Championship and an opportunity to meet Jamie Redknapp.

Page 53 – Win

A competition offering tickets to see Louise in concert and an opportunity to meet her.

Smash Hits Scratch Hits Game

The contents page also advertises the original Smash Hits Scratch Hits Game.

This promotion involved scratching panels to reveal celebrity faces and checking whether a prize had been won.

The photographed contents page includes a printed illustration of the game and instructions referring readers to page 10.

The original loose promotional scratch card is not confirmed as included with this copy.

All original competitions and promotional offers have expired.

Magazine Design and Historical Interest

This issue is a colourful example of British pop-magazine publishing during the summer of 1996.

The front cover uses oversized purple Smash Hits lettering, a predominantly white background and bright blue promotional panels.

The interior pages feature bold typography, celebrity photographs, informal editorial commentary and a mixture of music, television, fashion and football coverage.

The contents pages include a letter from editor Kate Thornton, discussing the magazine's recent activities and entertainment coverage.

The issue also includes a preview of its printed songword section, featuring Bryan Adams and other contemporary chart artists.

The mixture of Oasis, Boyzone, Gina G, Louise, Metallica, Ash and Darren Day provides an interesting snapshot of mainstream British youth entertainment during the mid-1990s.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine with visible handling wear, spine wear, corner wear and age-related imperfections.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

• The front cover retains strong colour and clear printing.

• The main Darren Day photograph remains clearly visible.

• There is noticeable rubbing and wear along the left-hand spine.

• The lower-left corner shows visible wear, including creasing and scuffing.

• The spine edge has small splits and areas of surface deterioration.

• Minor surface scratches and handling marks are visible.

• There is some light discolouration consistent with age.

• The top edge and corners show slight bending and wear.

• The lower cover edge has some visible handling wear.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows clear evidence of previous handling and use.

There is visible stress around the binding, particularly where the magazine has been opened.

The photographed interior spread shows exposed staple areas and some wear around the central fold.

The binding should be treated as used and aged rather than pristine.

Interior Pages

• The photographed interior pages retain strong, colourful printing.

• Some pages show natural curvature from opening and handling.

• Light creasing and edge wear are visible.

• The photographed songword section remains present.

• The contents pages are clearly readable.

• Minor age-related discolouration is visible in places.

• The magazine has not been checked page by page for completeness.

Overall Assessment

The magazine is best described as acceptable to good used vintage condition, with noticeable spine and cover wear.

It is not a mint or unread copy.

Please inspect all supplied photographs carefully, particularly the spine, cover edges, corners and photographed interior pages.

Original Free Gifts and Promotional Items

The magazine originally advertised a Scratch Hits promotional card and other competitions.

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

The photographed eight-page songword section is present at least in part, but its full completeness has not been individually verified.

The complete original poster selection has also not been individually verified.

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

Collector Interest

This issue may appeal to collectors of:

• Smash Hits magazines.

• Darren Day memorabilia.

• Oasis and Britpop.

• Boyzone and Mikey Graham.

• Louise.

• Gina G and Eurovision.

• Ash.

• Bryan Adams.

• Metallica and Lars Ulrich.

• Dodgy.

• Blur and Damon Albarn.

• Steve Lamacq.

• Celine Dion.

• The Fugees.

• Livin' Joy.

• 1990s football memorabilia.

• Ryan Giggs and Eric Cantona.

• Original songword and lyric pull-outs.

• Vintage British pop music publications.

The combination of a Darren Day front cover, Britpop coverage, boy-band features, football-related articles and a photographed songword pull-out makes this a distinctive original Smash Hits issue from June 1996.

Publication Details

Magazine: Smash Hits
Issue Date: 5–18 June 1996
Publication Frequency: Fortnightly
Original UK Cover Price: 90p
Main Cover Star: Darren Day
Other Featured Artists: Oasis, Boyzone, Louise, Gina G, Ash, Bryan Adams, Metallica, Dodgy and others
Language: English
Country: United Kingdom
Format: Original printed music magazine
Condition: Pre-owned, with visible age-related wear
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 study all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the actual magazine you will receive.