Like Punk Never Happened - Brian McCloskey's Smash Hits Archive

10/02/2026

"All you need to do is put your arms around people....You bring them all in – and that's what music does best."

Returning for a 20th album of sumptuous synthpop, Andy Bell and Clarke open up about supporting one another through bereavement, being happily uncool and battling the resurgence of homophobia

09/29/2026

September 29, 1986 🎶

09/24/2026

09/21/2026

"When the lineup finally coalesces and the artists formerly known as the North London Invaders rehearse as Madness for the first time, it makes for electrifying cinema."

From a jail-inspired light sabre fight to the moment a sax-player flew, Take It or Leave It brilliantly captured the band’s grimy origins. Will the film’s return see it finally honoured as a music movie landmark?

09/15/2026

September 15, 1986 🎶

09/08/2026

September 8, 1986 🎶

09/07/2026

"I was wearing a crimplene dress and because of my beehive, the headphones had to go under my chin."

‘I was trying to bring back some glamour. The backcombed hair was like architecture really. It took more than 45 minutes to style’

08/28/2026

The last Saturday in August is Play Music On The Porch Day 🎶

If any of you participate in or attend any performances, please share your photos / videos in the comments 🙂

Bonus points on offer if you play / see somebody playing songs from the pages of Smash Hits 🤣

08/28/2026

"True Confessions could have been Bananarama's Beatles for Sale – fame and fun sliding into a trough of tiredness and melancholy – but Bananarama were wise and knew something had to change."

In a parallel universe, Bananarama had the most impressive backstory in pop, steeped in rock credibility and indie cool. In that world, Sarah Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward were…