A story of love, loss and loud music

Marcus Solomon of The Punk Site reviews Toxic Shock Records: Assassin of Mediocrity, A Story of love, loss and loud music by Bill Sassenberger

https://www.thepunksite.com/reviews/toxic-shock-records-assassin-of-mediocrity-a-story-of-love-loss-loud-music/

"This is a riveting love story of passion for a beloved other and genuine zeal for punk rock, while also being a historical account of the evolution of the Southern California punk rock scene, as viewed through the perceptive and astute eye of Bill Sassenberger, the man who created the legendary Toxic Shock record store and music label. It is a fascinating biography that provides an eyewitness account of the emerging Southern California punk rock scene from a man who was an active participant in helping to create it. More than this, it is a homage to his dear wife Julianna who sadly lost her life due to recurring strokes. No, this is not a spoiler, because Bill wastes no time in getting to the emotional gut punch of Julianna’s first debilitating stroke at the start of the first chapter, the title of the book is a strong indicator, and the fatal foreshadowing is evident in each alternating vignette throughout the work. Bill narrates his life, his observations of the nascent and evolving punk rock world, the creation of the Toxic Shock store and subsequent label, the many shows he attended and created, the people who helped and let him down, and above all, his undying love and devotion to his beautiful and talented wife Julianna."

"Toxic Shock Records was the first exclusively punk rock record store in the United States when it opened in Pomona, California in 1980. Sure, we had other record stores like Middle Earth Records in Downey and Zed Records in Long Beach, but those stores were not exclusively punk rock. Bill boldly put all his faith and cash (what little he had) into realizing his dream of opening Toxic Shock Records for two reasons: 1. He loved punk rock. 2. He wanted to share this music with others. His intent was never to make a lot of money, but rather, to provide an outlet for his obsession where others who shared this interest could find music that was often impossible to find. Far from the emerging punk rock scene of Los Angeles and Hollywood, Toxic Shock Records was founded in the grimy city of Pomona, and that in itself was a bold move to open such an esoteric business far from the few who were privy to the emerging punk rock genre. Word quickly got around and people made the trek all the way to the smoggy Inland Empire city of Pomona to the little shop of wonderful weirdness. Eventually, after moving the store several times, and having presented the first-ever shows in the smoggy Inland Empire with bands such as Manson Youth, Adolescents, The Gears, Chiefs and many others, Bill pulled up the roots and relocated everything to Tuscon, Arizona."

This is more than just a chronology of events and Toxic Shock releases. It is a sincere account of the ever-active Bill Sassenberger doggedly doing his best to keep Toxic Shock Records, label, distribution and his wife Julianna alive and as well as possible. Stylistically, it feels like a conversation between Bill and the reader, wherein Bill is providing you with all the details of his multifaceted life. Bill is a stoic. That is to say his enthusiasm and strong emotions are usually not visually evident. His writing also reflects this personality trait as his descriptions of people, places, and events are very matter-of-fact, few on adjectives, but heavy on detail. Even so, the passion and intensity of the things he describes comes through via the precise and meticulously chosen words themselves. For example, those who have wronged him in the past are rendered their fair judgment by specific description rather than by emotional lamenting or accusation. The band Mad Parade still owes him money for a tour van rental, Glen Danzig vindictively started a false rumor that Toxic Shock was going out of business, and deathrock superstar Rozz Williams is revealed to have been a drug-addicted, thieving, sexual degenerate. Bill just tells it like it was, and the implications, be they positive or negative, are glaringly clear."

Of added interest are the occasional personal reflections from people who used to work at Toxic Shock, members of the bands he used to promote (such as Farrell Holtz of Decry), regular customers from the early days, close friends, and others upon whom Bill had a strong impact. One of which is Bill Plaster, (AKA Bill Strange) the creator and owner of Dr. Strange Records in Rancho Cucamonga, currently the finest punk rock store in the world: “I remember the very first time I went to Toxic Shock Records around 1982 or so. I had the feeling I was doing something wrong by being there. You know, like my parents wouldn’t approve. I knew right then this was my kind of record store.” Bill Strange also points out that whenever someone tells him that Dr. Strange Records is a lot like Toxic Shock Records, he regards that as a great compliment."

"Yes, this book is well worth your time for all the reasons described in this book review. It is printed on glossy paper, in full color, and in a smaller format that is reminiscent of the photocopied fanzines of times gone by. The few printing errors within only serve to add to the DIY punk rock aesthetic. The photos are many, and despite the small format, they are usually well-rendered with great detail. This book is not just a story of love, loss, and loud music, it is a historical document with feeling. One of the strongest themes of the writing, and whether it was intentional or not, is to be bold and pursue your passions by taking whatever risk is necessary, while also doing your utmost to enjoy life even when your world seems to be falling apart. To do anything other than this is to cheat yourself out of living life to the fullest." 

* "I had the pleasure of working for Toxic Shock Records for one week when it was near the dive bar and porno store in Pomona…until Bill let me go for being “lackadaisical.” I had not been getting enough sleep and was very tired when I went to work. He was just telling me the truth as he saw it. It taught me to give my best effort from that point forward in my life."

Toxic Shock Records: Assassin Of Mediocrity; A Story Of Love Loss And Loud Music is available via Fluke Publishing, Printed Matter and now expanded by Earth Island Books.

Bill Sassenberger will be making an in-store appearance and signing copies of Toxic Shock Records: Assassin Of Mediocrity; A Story Of Love, Loss And Loud Music at Dr. Strange Records between 2pm and 4pm on the 7th June.