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 travelled. 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.
About the author:
Bill Sassenberger was born in Springfield IL and was driven west like a tumbleweed, to Phoenix, then southern California until he was finally wedged between rocks in Tucson AZ and settled down in 1988. His first book is TOXIC SHOCK Assassin of Mediocrity A Story of Love, Loss and Loud Music, published by Earth Island Books.
Bill and his late wife Julianna Towns were the proprietors of Toxic Shock Records, which operated its gloriously weird store and record label at various Pomona CA locations and brief foray in New Orleans from 1980 to 1988, before decamping to Tucson, Arizona where it became vital for a whole new group of outsider music fans up until its 2014 closure.
Today, Bill lives in Tucson and enjoys spending his spare time innkeeping, budget traveling, collecting gimcrack and eating broccoli.
234x156mm
338 pages
Full Colour
Officially published 28th March 2025, so this is the pre-order.
Books will be sent out asap when recieved from the printers in March.