Smash Hits

Launched in 1978 by the media group EMAP, Smash Hits quickly became the definitive guide to pop culture for British teenagers. The magazine started as a monthly publication but switched to a fortnightly schedule within its first year, a move that cemented its place in newsstands across the United Kingdom. Readers flocked to its pages for chart updates, candid interviews, and cheeky gossip that often felt like a secret handshake among fans of new wave and hair metal.

The brand stood apart from competitors like NME or Melody Maker by prioritizing accessibility over critical depth. Its bold, colorful design featured photos of stars like Duran Duran and Madonna alongside playful quizzes and fan mail sections. This approach helped launch the careers of several presenters who moved into television after their time at the magazine, creating a bridge between print journalism and broadcast entertainment.

Print production ceased in 2006 as digital media reshaped how people consumed music news. While the original publication is gone, the name lives on through distinct modern entities. Smash Hits Live operates as an Irish party band performing hits from the 80s and 90s at weddings and festivals, while a separate independent label founded in 2018 by Super Solo and Mistel Kind uses the moniker for contemporary music production. [edit]