Rock Milestones on July 31: Beatles, Eagles, Ringo Starr and More

July 31 has marked several notable moments in rock music history. In 1957 a young Richard Starkey, later known as Ringo Starr, played his first live show at Liverpool's Cavern Club. The Beatles recorded the basic instrumental tracks for "Hey Jude" in 1968, adding a 36‑piece orchestra the next day.

The date also celebrates birthdays: R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry (born 1958) and Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows (born 1981). Other key events include the 1964 release of Martha and the Vandellas' "Dancing in the Street," Elvis Presley’s four‑week Las Vegas engagement in 1969, Blue Öyster Cult’s 1976 hit "(Don’t Fear) the Reaper," and a 1980 Eagles concert in Long Beach.

These entries illustrate the diverse achievements and performances that have shaped rock music on July 31 over the decades.