Smash Hits Returns With a Michael Jackson Special

Bauer Media are producing a one-off special Michael Jackson tribute issue of legendary pop magazine Smash Hits, on sale Tuesday 7 July.

The 52-page souvenir edition is being overseen by Stuart Williams, MD of Bauer Media's Music & Film portfolio, and produced by a team led by Barry McIlheney, who was Editor of Smash Hits during its highest-ever selling period from 1986-89.
 
Highlights of this collectors' edition will include the last-ever UK interview, conducted with Smash Hits' Mark Ellen in 1982, original Smash Hits reports from Jackson's live tours, along with posters, songwords and the definitive story of Bubbles.
 
Stuart Williams commented: "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."
 
"We will be paying tribute to Michael Jackson in classic Smash Hits style," added McIlheney. "Everyone seems to be forgetting in the current tabloid frenzy that this was one of the greatest pop stars of all time."

The Smash Hits Michael Jackson special issue will be priced at £2.99.
 
The current issue of Smash Hits' stablemate Q also carries Michael Jackson on the cover in one of his last photoshoots and includes a revealing and in-depth feature on Michael Jackson's last five years out of they spotlight. The August issue was published to coincide with his forthcoming O2 residency and was already being distributed when news of Michael Jackson's death broke on Thursday night. 
 
Smash Hits magazine closed in February 2006 after almost 30 years on the newsstand, but continues to live on as a music TV channel, a digital radio station and online. This is the first time Smash Hits as been resurrected in magazine format since it closed.

Ends

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