Smash Hits returns for Michael Jackson tribute

Iconic teen magazine Smash Hits is making a one-off return to newsstands three years after it closed, with a Michael Jackson tribute edition.

The 52-page souvenir edition – available for £2.99 from Tuesday – is being overseen by Stuart Williams, MD of Bauer Media’s music & film portfolio, and produced by a team led by Barry McIlheney, the magazine’s editor during its highest-ever selling period from 1986-89.

Highlights of the special edition include the last-ever UK interview, conducted with Smash Hits‘ Mark Ellen in 1982, original reports from live tours, along with posters and the definitive story of Bubbles.

Williams said: “Michael Jackson was the King of Pop and Smash Hits was witness to his best years. I think Michael Jackson fans of all ages will welcome this souvenir issue.”

Smash Hits launched in 1978 and reached its peak circulation in 1989, selling 786,886 copies in the first half of the year.