Think of Smash Hits in the '80s and you think of zany encounters with the likes of Swing Out Sister and A-Ha. But in March 1987, seeking re-election, then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher invited the pop magazine to Downing Street, hoping to curry favour with the nation's youth.
However, any attempt to appear down with the kids was slightly undercut by her choice of music references. She claimed to be a fan of Cliff Richard, whom she admired for his professionalism, and said her favourite record was the 1953 novelty hit "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" Though, to her credit, she did also mention Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman", which is a somewhat less embarrassing choice.
The interview was conducted by Tom Hibbert, who sadly passed away in 2011.
