Smash Hits Magazine – 10–23 April 1996 – 3T, Boyzone, Oasis & The Prodigy

Original UK Smash Hits Magazine dated 10–23 April 1996, featuring American R&B group 3T prominently on the front cover, alongside a major Boyzone feature covering their Australian tour.

This is a colourful original mid-1990s issue of the popular British fortnightly music magazine, featuring contemporary pop stars, celebrity interviews, music news, photographs, song lyrics, entertainment reviews, competitions and fan features.

Other artists and personalities featured include Oasis, The Prodigy, Christian Slater, Anthea Turner, Louise, Alanis Morissette, Northern Uproar, Prince Naseem and the Nightcrawlers.

An interesting original publication for collectors of 1990s pop music, R&B, Britpop, Boyzone memorabilia and vintage Smash Hits magazines.

Front Cover – 3T

The front cover prominently features 3T, the American R&B trio consisting of brothers Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, nephews of Michael Jackson.

All three members are photographed together against a blue studio background, smiling and wearing colourful basketball-style clothing.

The centre member wears a red basketball jersey, while the other two wear contrasting blue and white sportswear.

The main headline reads:

"In Los Angeles... 3T – All Back To Our Place!"

The issue promotes an exclusive visit to the group's Los Angeles home.

3T Feature – Page 12

The photographed contents page confirms a feature beginning on page 12.

The article is described as a visit to the group's home in Los Angeles, with the magazine's journalists spending time with the brothers.

The feature comes from the period when 3T were enjoying international success with their debut album Brotherhood and singles including Anything.

An appealing contemporary feature for collectors of the Jackson family and 1990s R&B music.

Boyzone – Australian Tour Special

One of the magazine's principal attractions is a substantial feature about Irish pop group Boyzone.

The front cover includes a smaller photograph showing the five band members together during their Australian visit.

The headline promotes:

"Body-piercing, tattoos, tears – four magic days Down Under"

Boyzone Feature – Page 46

The contents page confirms a feature beginning on page 46.

The article follows Boyzone during four days in Australia, providing a contemporary account of the group's activities while touring overseas.

The feature is particularly relevant to fans of Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch.

This issue dates from the period when Boyzone were among Britain's and Ireland's most successful pop groups.

Oasis – Ireland Coverage

Oasis are prominently advertised across the top of the front cover with the headline:

"Plus – Oasis in Ireland!"

The editor's letter also refers to the magazine's coverage of Oasis, including flights, fights and further backstage developments.

This makes the issue particularly interesting to collectors of Oasis and the British Britpop scene during 1996.

The coverage captures the band during the height of their mainstream popularity following the success of (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

The Prodigy – Page 25

British electronic music group The Prodigy receive a dedicated feature.

The contents page describes an article examining the group and their position within Britain's dance music scene.

This is an interesting inclusion for collectors of 1990s electronic music, rave culture and alternative dance.

Christian Slater – Page 16

Hollywood actor Christian Slater receives a dedicated feature.

The contents advertise an interview conducted in Paris, referring to him as Mr Ugly in connection with his film Broken Arrow.

The magazine's reviews section also includes coverage of Broken Arrow.

An interesting period feature for collectors of 1990s cinema and Hollywood memorabilia.

Additional Featured Celebrities

Louise – Page 56

British singer Louise, formerly of Eternal, receives a dedicated feature.

The contents promote a light-hearted article about her appearance and pop career.

The photographed contents page includes a colour photograph of Louise wearing a light blue outfit.

Anthea Turner – Page 68

British television presenter Anthea Turner is featured in an article discussing her television work and personal life.

The front cover promotes the feature with a reference to her being in love.

Liam Gallagher – Page 20

A humorous entertainment feature involving Liam Gallagher of Oasis.

The contents refer to Liam checking into hotels under different names, alongside other celebrity stories.

Prince Naseem

British boxer Prince Naseem Hamed is featured in the magazine's contemporary music and entertainment coverage.

He also appears in the advertised songword supplement.

Original Smash Hits Songword Pull-Out

The photographs clearly show the opening page of the original 12-page Smash Hits songword section.

The section is presented as a separate pull-out feature within the magazine, with a distinctive blue, white and purple design.

Northern Uproar – Featured Cover

The photographed opening page prominently features British indie-rock band Northern Uproar.

Four band members are pictured together against a dark blue studio background.

The group are wearing casual mid-1990s clothing, with the central member positioned slightly forward.

The large headline reads:

"Northern Uproar – Good-Time Boys!"

The page also promotes lyrics to their song Livin' It Up.

This is an appealing feature for collectors of Britpop and lesser-known British indie bands from the mid-1990s.

Other Artists Advertised in the Songword Section

The contents identify songs associated with:

• Northern Uproar

• Prince Naseem & Kaliphz

• Everything But The Girl

• Alanis Morissette

• Nightcrawlers

• Shane MacGowan

• Presidents Of The USA

• Babylon Zoo

The photographed opening page also displays the titles Walk On, Missing, Ironic, Let's Fly and Should I Ever (Fall In Love) among its song listings.

Important: The opening page of the songword pull-out is visibly present. The complete 12-page section has not been individually checked, so completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Advertised Celebrity Posters

The photographed contents page includes a dedicated poster section featuring several personalities.

The original contents identify the following poster subjects:

3T

A poster featuring the American R&B trio is advertised.

The magazine's principal cover photograph shows the brothers together in basketball-style clothing.

Alanis Morissette

A poster featuring Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette is advertised.

The contents include a small colour preview showing Alanis with long reddish-brown hair, photographed against a warm-toned background.

Paul Nicholls

A poster featuring British actor Paul Nicholls is advertised.

The photographed contents page shows a large black-and-white close-up portrait, featuring his face and dark hair.

Robbie Williams

A poster featuring Robbie Williams is listed in the original contents.

Dani

A poster featuring Dani is also listed.

Important: These posters are advertised in the original contents and some are illustrated in preview photographs. Their full original pages have not been individually checked or confirmed as complete.

Additional Magazine Contents

Page 4 – What's The Story?

Six pages of celebrity news and entertainment stories.

The contents advertise coverage of Zoe Ball, Jason Donovan, Ryan Giggs and Damon Albarn, alongside other contemporary personalities.

Page 22 – The Biscuit Tin

The magazine's humorous entertainment section.

This issue features references to Jas Mann, the lead singer of Babylon Zoo, and other celebrities.

Page 50 – Fanbase

Three pages of fan information, including:

• Phone The Stars

• Fan Club Addresses

• Search Out The Stars

• Buy It Or Bin It?

• Dear Helen

Page 54 – Letters

Reader correspondence, celebrity discussions and humorous letters.

Page 58 – Mystic Mag

The magazine's horoscope and astrology section.

Page 71 – Can You Handle It?

A celebrity question-and-answer challenge featuring John Reid of Nightcrawlers.

Music and Entertainment Reviews

The photographed contents advertise contemporary reviews of music and films.

Singles – Page 61

Artists include:

Ash, Alanis Morissette, Manic Street Preachers, Meat Loaf and Babylon Zoo.

Albums – Page 62

Album reviews include:

Shed Seven, Tina Turner, Mark Morrison and other contemporary performers.

Films – Page 64

Film reviews include:

• Broken Arrow

• Stolen Hearts

• Apollo 13

• Neighbours

• Mortal Kombat

These sections provide an interesting record of popular entertainment releases during April 1996.

Competitions and Promotional Features

The original magazine includes several competitions and giveaways.

Page 44 – Free Stuff

A promotional giveaway involving illustrated celebrity-related merchandise.

Page 65 – Win!

A competition offering readers the opportunity to win radio-related prizes and visit a radio station.

Page 65 – Free Stuff Extra

A competition associated with Brad Pitt, offering the opportunity to win a dinner-date experience.

All competitions and promotional offers are historical and have expired.

Historical and Collector Interest

This magazine captures an interesting period in British popular culture during the spring of 1996.

The issue combines the popularity of American R&B group 3T with Irish pop group Boyzone and major British alternative artists such as Oasis and The Prodigy.

The front cover uses large yellow Smash Hits lettering against a dark blue background, with a colourful group photograph of 3T.

The lower section includes a large yellow Boyzone promotional panel and a smaller photograph from their Australian tour.

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

The magazine also provides a snapshot of the distinctive Smash Hits editorial style, combining celebrity interviews, informal humour, fan correspondence, contemporary music reviews and printed song lyrics.

It is particularly relevant to collectors of:

• Original 1990s Smash Hits magazines

• 3T and Jackson family music memorabilia

• Boyzone and Irish pop music

• Oasis and Britpop

• The Prodigy and 1990s dance music

• Vintage celebrity photography

• Original printed pop music publications

Condition – Important Information

Condition: Pre-owned vintage magazine with visible age-related wear and evidence of previous handling.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The front cover retains strong colours and clearly readable text.

However, there are several visible imperfections:

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

• Small scuffs and abrasions along the spine fold.

• A more pronounced area of wear around the lower-left spine, close to the Boyzone photograph.

• Minor corner wear, particularly around the lower-left corner.

• Light surface scratches and handling marks.

• Slight curvature and minor creasing from previous use.

• Some wear around the upper-left cover edge.

• Minor age-related discolouration and surface marks.

The main 3T photograph remains clear and visually appealing.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows signs of repeated opening and handling.

There are small areas of rubbing, creasing and stress along the fold.

The photographed interior pages remain attached at the visible binding.

Interior Pages

• The photographed pages retain clear printing and bright colours.

• Minor page curling and bending are visible.

• Light handling creases may be present.

• Some page edges show minor wear.

• The photographed contents remain readable.

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

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

Overall Condition

Generally good used vintage condition for its age, with noticeable spine wear, minor corner wear and typical handling marks.

This is not a mint or unread example.

Please inspect all photographs carefully, particularly the spine, cover edges and photographed 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 the magazine are no longer included unless clearly shown in the photographs.

The photographed songword section is present at least in part.

The complete 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: 10–23 April 1996
Original UK Cover Price: 90p
Publication Frequency: Fortnightly
Main Cover Stars: 3T
Other Featured Artists: Boyzone, Oasis, The Prodigy, Louise, Alanis Morissette, Northern Uproar 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 examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the actual magazine you will receive.