This Week In Music

Liam Gallagher has always struck us as a man who takes himself incredibly seriously, so imagine our surprise when the Oasis frontman was declared the 10th wittiest Brit of all time. But then we were reminded of some the many put-downs he’s spewed and boy did we laugh. And just look at those sideburns! Still, he’s no Oscar Wilde. Photograph: Herbert P. Oczeret/EPA

Bruce Springsteen surprised fans during a concert in Ottawa when he invited Arcade Fire to join him on stage for an encore. Surprised is an understatement actually, if this woman’s reaction is anything to go by. Photograph: Robert Brockie/Ryan Carey /Other

Ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr (right) also had a surprise: he’s now a professor of music at the University of Salford. Marr, who’s still guitarist with the band Modest Mouse, said he was 'excited at the prospect of being able to make a contribution'. We wonder if he would be quite so excited if he knew Bex turned the job down first. Only kidding, it was Clint Boon. Photograph: Sipa Press/Rex

Robert Wyatt says things like 'I'm a mine of misinformation' and 'I've been in AA for two months', and he remains one of Britain’s most innovative and beguiling jazz musicians. However, given his first statement, we’ll take the second statement with a pinch of salt thanks. More on Wyatt from Dave Peschek here. Photograph: Eamonn McCabe/Guardian

Brian Wilson, he of Beach Boys fame, is set to collaborate with the English National Ballet next month as part of a charity event. Swan Lake, the Nutcracker and the Snow Queen will all be performed, as will new pieces while Wilson and his band play a string of Beach Boy favourites. Pirouetting to Barbara Ann? We never thought we’d see the day. Photograph: Peter Johns/Guardian

Britney, yay! What’s she been up to then? Well, there’s been stuff about her kids, her driving and her knickers (or lack thereof). But also, she’s been gyrating about a pole with not much on in the name of music. Pickard of the Pops endures the strip-fest in the name of video reportage. Photograph: Jake Sarfaty/PR

Anthony Kiedis dropped a clanger a name on his newborn son, one Everly Bear. Actually, we’ve decided this name (joining the family name of the Everly Brothers with the word bear) has officially grown on us. Apple, Suri and Romeo are still stinkers though. Photograph: Snejberg Carsten/AP

A ukulele craze has usurped the recorder as the instrument of choice in today’s primary schools. According to Steve Morris, the craze is not confined just to primary schools but to teenage bedrooms and even the odd YP (young professional). Frankly, we’re doubtful anyone can capture the romance of Frere Jacques as played by an eight-year-old on her screeching recorder with a little banjo. Photograph: Corbis/Corbis

Exciting chart news alert: predictions that the Sugababes were a spent force were hilariously crushed this week when the trio were number one in both the album and singles charts. But what of Phil Collins and Katie Melua? Photograph: PR/PR

Announcing the U2 Tower: a 120-metre skyscraper set to house the band’s 'egg-shaped' recording studio in its peak. The building will be the first building of its size in Ireland and is set for completion in 2011. Click here to read more. Photograph: ShowBizIreland/Stringer/Getty