David Bowie (May 1979) Drops In Cover Feature

David Bowie
May 17, 1979
3 min read

Updated: May 6

A bright, confident close-up of David Bowie with tousled blonde hair and a slight smile lights up the cover of Smash Hits, capturing the fresh, approachable energy of his late-1970s pop phase.

The bold pink-and-white “SMASH HITS” masthead paired with the simple “DAVID BOWIE” headline promises fans an intimate look at the star.

This May 1979 cover reflects the excitement surrounding Bowie’s evolving sound and image as he moved toward the mainstream success that would soon explode with Let’s Dance.

A bright, confident close-up of David Bowie with tousled blonde hair and a slight smile lights up the cover of Smash Hits, capturing the fresh, approachable energy of his late-1970s pop phase.

The bold pink-and-white “SMASH HITS” masthead paired with the simple “DAVID BOWIE” headline promises fans an intimate look at the star.

This May 1979 cover reflects the excitement surrounding Bowie’s evolving sound and image as he moved toward the mainstream success that would soon explode with *Let’s Dance*.

🗞 Smash Hits

📅 Date: May 17–31, 1979

📰 Key Highlights

• Striking close-up portrait of David Bowie with styled blonde hair and a direct, engaging expression

• Large “DAVID BOWIE” headline in bold yellow lettering

• Cover lines including “Words to the TOP SINGLES” featuring Roxanne, Jimmy Jimmy, Reunited, Hot Stuff, and more

• Yellow box highlighting “BOYS KEEP SWINGING” with lyrics by David Bowie

• Fortnightly issue priced at 25p, with additional coverage of Wings, The Police, and picture spreads

📰 Overview

In May 1979, Smash Hits — Britain’s leading teen/pop magazine — featured David Bowie on its cover to promote an exclusive interview and showcase his latest single “Boys Keep journalism aimed at a young audience.

📰 Source Details

Publication / Venue: Smash Hits (UK)

Date: May 17–31, 1979

Format: Magazine cover + four-page feature

Provenance Notes: Verified directly from the preserved cover and interior spread; distinctive Smash Hits typography, colour palette, and layout of the period. Swinging.” The cover perfectly captures the glossy, colourful energy of late-70s British pop

📰 Key Highlights

• Striking close-up portrait of David Bowie with styled blonde hair and a direct, engaging expression

• Large “DAVID BOWIE” headline in bold yellow lettering

• Cover lines including “Words to the TOP SINGLES” featuring Roxanne, Jimmy Jimmy, Reunited, Hot Stuff, and more

• Yellow box highlighting “BOYS KEEP SWINGING” with lyrics by David Bowie

• Fortnightly issue priced at 25p, with additional coverage of Wings, The Police, and picture spreads

Source Details

Publication / Venue: Smash Hits (UK)

Date: May 17–31, 1979

Format: Magazine cover + four-page feature

The cover promotes an in-depth interview with Bowie at a time when he was bridging his experimental Berlin period with a more accessible pop direction. The feature includes discussion of his recent work, the creation of “Boys Keep Swinging,” and his thoughts on fame, music, and the industry. Smash Hits’ signature style — mixing lyrics, gossip, and accessible star interviews — made the piece especially appealing to younger readers discovering or rediscovering Bowie.

Additional coverage of contemporary hits (Roxanne, Hot Stuff, etc.) and other acts like Wings and The Police places Bowie firmly within the vibrant late-70s/early-80s pop landscape.

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