Smash Hits Magazine – 14–27 February 1996 – Babylon Zoo, Oasis, Blur & Boyzone

Original UK Smash Hits Magazine dated 14–27 February 1996, featuring Jas Mann of Babylon Zoo on the front cover, alongside coverage of Oasis, Blur, Boyzone, Take That, 3T, Louise, Ant & Dec and other popular music and television personalities of the mid-1990s.

This original fortnightly music magazine captures an exciting period in British pop culture, when Britpop, boy bands, dance music and alternative rock were competing for attention in the UK charts.

The issue combines celebrity interviews, pop news, colourful photography, Valentine's Day features, reader competitions, music lyrics and collectible printed material.

An interesting original publication for collectors of 1990s music memorabilia, Britpop, Babylon Zoo and vintage Smash Hits magazines.

Front Cover – Babylon Zoo / Jas Mann

The main front-cover feature showcases Jas Mann, frontman of British alternative rock group Babylon Zoo.

He appears in a striking, full-colour photograph against a blue and white cloud-style background.

Jas is pictured wearing a distinctive patterned top decorated with multiple eye designs. His long, centre-parted dark hair and outstretched hands create an instantly recognisable image from Babylon Zoo's breakthrough period.

The main headline reads:

"SPACE CADET!"

The accompanying cover text references Oasis and Blur before announcing Babylon Zoo's arrival.

The feature reflects the extraordinary attention surrounding Babylon Zoo in early 1996, following the success of their single Spaceman.

Additional Front-Cover Features

Oasis – Blurwatch

A feature concerning Damon Albarn and Justine Frischmann, promoted through the magazine's regular interest in the Britpop scene.

Oasis – Songwords

The cover advertises Oasis lyrics and a feature involving Liam Gallagher.

12-Page Valentine's Poster Pull-Out

A Valentine's-themed pull-out is prominently advertised, featuring Take That, Boyzone, 3T and Louise.

Big Breakfast Scratch Card

The top banner advertises a promotional scratch card associated with Channel 4's The Big Breakfast.

The original UK cover price of 90p is visible.

Magazine Contents and Featured Artists

Babylon Zoo – Page 10

One of the principal features of this issue is an introduction to Babylon Zoo and their frontman, Jas Mann.

The contents page describes the artist as an intergalactic pop star, reflecting the futuristic image associated with the band's breakthrough single.

The magazine includes another large photograph of Jas Mann on its contents page.

This feature is particularly relevant to collectors of Babylon Zoo memorabilia and the alternative music scene of 1996.

Oasis

Oasis receive prominent billing on the front cover and in the magazine's contents.

The issue advertises a special feature about Liam Gallagher, along with Oasis song lyrics.

Oasis were among the defining British bands of the period, making this an interesting contemporary publication for collectors of Britpop history.

Blur – Damon Albarn and Justine Frischmann

The cover advertises a Blur-related feature involving Damon Albarn and Justine Frischmann.

The headline reflects the celebrity and music coverage surrounding the Britpop scene during the mid-1990s.

An appealing inclusion for collectors of Blur, Elastica and British alternative music memorabilia.

Boyzone

Irish boy band Boyzone feature in the magazine's Valentine's-themed material.

The contents pages advertise Boyzone among the featured artists in the issue's printed poster selection.

A photograph of Boyzone also appears within the magazine's contents and promotional material.

Take That

Take That are featured in the Valentine's special advertised on the front cover and contents pages.

The magazine includes references to the group and its members during a particularly memorable period in their history.

3T

American R&B group 3T are included in the Valentine's-themed features.

Their appearance reflects the popularity of R&B and American pop groups among Smash Hits readers during 1996.

Louise

British singer Louise is included in the Valentine's feature and the advertised printed poster selection.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of Eternal and Louise Redknapp memorabilia.

Ant & Dec

The magazine's Valentine's coverage also includes Ant & Dec, who were established television and music personalities during this period.

Tony Mortimer – Page 14

The contents page advertises a feature involving Tony Mortimer, a member of British pop group East 17.

His appearance adds further interest for collectors of 1990s British boy-band memorabilia.

Zoe Ball – Page 48

The magazine features television presenter Zoe Ball.

The contents advertise a feature titled "Zoe Ball's Mad For It!", discussing her connection with Gail Tilsley from Coronation Street and her appearance in the television series The Big Breakfast.

The photographed contents page includes a large image of Zoe Ball with her hair styled into small bunches, wearing a light-coloured top.

Valentine's Day Special – Page 27

The magazine includes a prominent Valentine's-themed feature, advertised as a 12-page special.

The contents page describes romantic celebrity features, Valentine's photographs and opportunities for readers to learn more about their favourite pop stars.

The section is advertised as featuring:

• Take That

• Boyzone

• Ant & Dec

• Louise

• Other contemporary pop personalities

The contents page also shows a miniature image of a special Valentine's-themed Smash Hits cover, featuring a male celebrity holding a large pink heart.

This is an interesting example of the magazine's seasonal editorial style during the 1990s.

Printed Poster Features

The photographed contents pages advertise a selection of posters, including:

• Boyzone – The Irish pop group.

• Oasis – The British rock band.

• Louise – The British pop singer.

• Ronan – Ronan Keating of Boyzone.

• Mark Owen – Take That singer.

• Eternal – British R&B/pop girl group.

• Ant & Dec – British television and music duo.

The magazine also advertises a 12-page Valentine's poster pull-out featuring several of these artists.

The contents pages show the original poster advertising information and related promotional photographs.

Important: The supplied photographs do not establish that the complete original poster pull-out remains present. The posters are described as advertised magazine contents, not as individually verified included items.

Additional Magazine Features

The photographed contents pages reveal several regular Smash Hits sections.

Page 4 – Gotcha

A regular feature involving pop personalities and celebrity-related stories.

Page 6 – Bit at the Front

Music news and information about upcoming pop events.

Page 21 – Free Stuff

Competitions and promotional material.

Page 27 – Valentine's Special

A major seasonal feature focusing on pop celebrities.

Page 44 – Letters

Reader correspondence and reactions.

Page 46 – Fanbase

Reader-oriented fan material.

Page 51 – Horoscopes

Astrology and entertainment.

Page 52 – Win

Competitions and giveaways.

Page 55 – Reviews

Contemporary music and entertainment reviews.

Page 60 – Win

Additional competitions.

Page 63 – Can You Handle It?

A reader challenge and entertainment feature.

The contents also promote music lyrics, a readers' chart, a crossword and additional pop music coverage.

Magazine Design and Collectible Appeal

This issue is an excellent example of the colourful editorial design associated with Smash Hits during the mid-1990s.

The front cover features oversized white lettering, a striking blue background, bold red and yellow promotional banners and energetic celebrity photography.

Inside, the magazine uses bright yellow, purple, red and blue page designs, oversized headings, informal captions and large photographs.

The photographed contents pages also include an editorial introduction titled "Staff's Bit!", discussing the magazine's Valentine's coverage and introducing incoming editor Kate Thornton.

This makes the issue particularly interesting as a snapshot of the magazine's editorial team and presentation during February 1996.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

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

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

• The front cover retains strong blue, white, yellow and red colours.

• The main Babylon Zoo photograph and cover headlines remain clearly visible.

• Noticeable wear is present along the left-hand spine.

• The lower-left corner has visible creasing, scuffing and paper wear.

• The spine edge shows areas of rubbing and small splits or tears.

• Minor surface scratches and handling marks are visible across the cover.

• A small area of surface damage or marking is visible near the lower centre of the front cover.

• Some slight corner bending and edge wear are present.

• The cover shows general signs of previous handling and storage.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows noticeable wear, particularly around the lower section.

The photographs show exposed binding or staple areas where the magazine is opened.

There is visible stress around the central fold and some small tears or separation along the spine edge.

The photographed interior pages remain accessible, but the entire magazine has not been checked individually for secure attachment or completeness.

Interior Pages

• The photographed pages retain bright, colourful printing.

• Some minor handling creases and natural page curvature are visible.

• Light wear is present along some page edges.

• There are signs of stress around the central binding.

• The photographed contents pages remain legible.

• No major staining is apparent on the photographed interior pages.

• Some age-related discolouration may be present.

Overall Assessment

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

It is not a mint or unread copy.

Please examine the photographs carefully, especially the lower spine, cover corners and binding.

Original Free Gifts and Promotional Items

The front cover advertises a Big Breakfast scratch card, along with a Valentine's-themed pull-out.

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

The complete original poster selection has not been individually verified.

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

Original competitions, promotional offers and contact details are historical and should be considered expired.

Collector Interest

This magazine may appeal to collectors of:

• Smash Hits magazines.

• Babylon Zoo and Jas Mann.

• Oasis and Liam Gallagher.

• Blur and Damon Albarn.

• Britpop memorabilia.

• Boyzone and Ronan Keating.

• Take That and Mark Owen.

• Louise.

• Eternal.

• 3T.

• Ant & Dec.

• Tony Mortimer and East 17.

• Zoe Ball.

• 1990s pop music magazines.

• British television and pop culture.

• Original Valentine's-themed music publications.

The combination of Babylon Zoo's breakthrough-era cover, Britpop references, boy-band features and Valentine's material makes this an interesting original magazine from February 1996.

Publication Details

Magazine: Smash Hits
Issue Date: 14–27 February 1996
Publication Frequency: Fortnightly
Original UK Cover Price: 90p
Main Cover Artist: Babylon Zoo / Jas Mann
Other Featured Artists: Oasis, Blur, Boyzone, Take That, 3T, Louise, Eternal, Ant & Dec and others
Language: English
Country: United Kingdom
Format: Original printed music magazine
Condition: Pre-owned, with visible spine and cover 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.