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

CONDITION: NEW

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.