Robert Downey Jr. had Duran Duran open for Steely Dan at his 50th birthday party

Robert Downey Jr. hired Duran Duran to open for Steely Dan at his 50th birthday — (Image credit: The Late Show)

Most people, when they turn 50, don't have the means to rent out an airplane hangar for their 50th birthday, even if they have the inclination. If you're "Iron Man," you have at least the means. Robert Downey Jr. turned the big 5-0 on April 4, he told David Letterman on Thursday's Late Show, and he needed the airplane hangar because he'd hired Duran Duran (wait for applause) to open for Steely Dan — who, at least in Downey's world, are a bigger deal than Duran Duran. If you do ever invite Steely Dan to your birthday, though, be ready with the lyrics to your favorite Steely Dan song. —Peter Weber

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Explore More

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.