Happy 80th birthday, Mikhail Gorbachev

MOSCOW, March 2 (UPI) -- Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev had a low-key birthday celebration Wednesday, marking his 80th birthday with family and friends, officials said.

Gorbachev, the architect of perestroika and glasnost, is revered by some Russians for having brought freedom and democracy to the country, while others said he was a weak politician who ruined the Soviet empire, RIA Novosti reported.

Observers said Gorbachev's controversial image in Russia may be a reason the main celebrations of his birthday will occur later in March in the West, where he is credited with liberalization of Soviet life and the ending of the Cold War.

A gala concert at London's Royal Albert Hall March 30 will feature performances by Scorpions, Brian Ferry, mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, Russian baritone Dmitry Khvorostovsky and former Spice Girls Melanie C, among others, organizers said.

During the gala, Gorbachev will present the first "The Man Who Changed the World" award, RIA Novosti said. Proceeds from the event will be distributed among several charities.

Gorbachev was last leader of the Soviet Union and known for his reform efforts, which led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.