Smash Hits was a super popular British music magazine in the 1980s. It wasn’t like other music magazines. It was aimed at teenagers and young adults. The covers were a big part of its appeal.
The magazine started in 1978. It was created by a journalist named Nick Logan. He got the idea from his sister’s song lyric magazines. He wanted to make a better, glossier version. The magazine originally went by the title Disco Fever.
The first publisher was a company called EMAP. They were a small company at the time. Smash Hits began as a monthly magazine. It soon switched to being published every two weeks.
Smash Hits didn’t just write about music. It also printed the lyrics to popular songs. This was a major draw for fans. Readers could learn the words to their favorite hits.
The magazine also interviewed famous musicians. But the interviews weren’t always serious. Smash Hits became known for its funny and irreverent style. The interviewers would ask silly questions. They often made fun of the stars, instead of just praising them.
This quirky approach made the magazine stand out. It was different from other music publications. The covers reflected this unique personality.
The covers of Smash Hits in the 1980s were bright and bold. They usually featured photos of the biggest pop stars of the time. Artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Duran Duran were frequently featured.
The cover designs used vibrant colors and large fonts. The magazine’s logo was prominent. The headlines were often playful and attention-grabbing. The covers weren’t always straightforward portraits. Sometimes they used creative layouts and illustrations. The goal was to be eye-catching and fun.
