Toxic Shock Records, Assassin of Mediocrity: A Story of Love, Loss and Loud Music

Toxic Shock Records, Assassin of Mediocrity: A Story of Love, Loss and Loud Music by Bill Sassenberger.

This is a story of a lifetime spent in the trenches of the mercantile class. Yes, it's been said before, but punk rock did change our lives. You're about to read a patchwork of triumphant, bittersweet and sometimes painful memories. From 1981 until 2014, my wife Julianna and I owned and operated a totally independent record shop called Toxic Shock. Our mission was to support independent music and the culture it came from. To that end, we refused to sell major label releases and preferred to promote the outsiders in the music "industry."

We were lucky to have been in the right place at the right time, as punk was spreading to the suburbs and beyond. We also ran an independent record label through much of this period, working with some pretty diverse characters. As with many "do it yourself" ventures and personal relationships, we had our share of ups and downs. The record store supported us financially up until the mid 1990s, when taking on a part-time job in the "real world" became a necessity.

In December of 2011, my wife had a major stroke. This single event dramatically changed our lives and Julianna did her best to recover from its devastating effects. We had a shop in downtown Tucson for 23 years at that point. That finally came to an end, as our landlord wanted his building back and the majority of my time needed to be devoted as Julianna's primary caregiver. Challenging times indeed, but not the first one.

We had a pretty long run-eight years in Pomona, California, a short venture in New Orleans, then another 26 years as Toxic Ranch here in Tucson. It was one wild ride, so buckle up and thank you for reading our life story!

"A brick and mortar affirmation of punk's relevance and importance." Mick Rhodes, Claremont Courier

"Through a combination of rare photographs, gig flyers, oral history and prose, "Toxic Shock Records", chronicles the life of Bill and Julianna, decidedly taking the road less traveled. Extending a stiff little finger at the mainstream, they founded a record store, mail-order enterprise and record label during the heady days of punk rock that grew to become a refuge for misfits and lovers of the underground." Tucson Sentinel

"This is the story of unflagging love-for music, for a partnership forged in passion and steel, for a life chosen, not imposed. Their love story intertwines with the history of punk rock and the musical revolution that was spawned from that in a book that will expand minds and break hearts." Janet Brown.