July 31st

1946

Bob Welch, guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac, is born.

1956

Hattiesburg, MS. police officer Charles Ward cites Elvis Presley for speeding while on his way to Memphis.

1958

Bill Berry, guitarist and vocalist for R.E.M., is born.

1966

Cream plays their first concert at the 6th Annual Jazz & Blues Festival in Windsor, England.

1967

Keith Richard's drug conviction is thrown out by a London Appeals Court for "Flimsy Evidence." They also rule Mick Jagger's conviction should be reduced to a conditional discharge. The court reminds Jagger of his responsibilities as a performer.

1969

A Moscow police chief reports that thousands of Moscow telephone booths have been made inoperable by thieves who have stolen phone parts in order to convert their acoustic guitars to electric.

1970

In order to fulfill a contractual obligation, the Rolling Stones give Decca Records "Cocksucker Blues". They are now able to form their own label.

1971

Premiere of Rolling Stones' film Gimme Shelter at the Rialto Cinema in London.

1976

Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear The Reaper" is released.

1980

John Phillips (Mamas and Papas) was arrested by the FBI for possession of cocaine. He was sentenced to five years in prison. He lectured against drugs for 250 hours as an alternate sentence.