Bono to get honorary degree

Campaigning U2 frontman Bono is to receive an honorary Doctor Of Laws degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

The singer, who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize last year, will also be the speaker at the university's graduation ceremony on 17 May.

The university's president, Judith Rodin, called the Dublin-based singer "a powerful force for change".

Veteran jazz drummer Max Roach will also receive an honorary degree.

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Daughter for Sheen and Richards

Actors Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards are celebrating the birth of their first child, a daughter called Sam.

"Mother and daughter are doing great," said the couple's spokeswoman, Bianca Bianconi on Tuesday.

Sam Sheen was born on 9 March in a Los Angeles hospital. Charlie Sheen, 38, also has a 19-year-old daughter with Paula Profitt.

Sheen and Richards met on the set of romantic comedy Good Advice in 2001. They married in June 2002.

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Axl Rose loses greatest hits row

A US judge has allowed a record company to release a Guns N'Roses greatest hits album despite objections from the band's lead singer Axl Rose.

Rose sued Geffen Records, part of the Universal label, in an attempt to stop the release, saying he had not been consulted on the choice or remixing.

Original band members Slash and Duff McKagan also joined Rose in his request for a temporary restraining order.

But the court ruled the album could come out on 23 March as planned.

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Classical Brits welcomes Westenra

Singers Hayley Westenra and Renee Fleming and violinist Vanessa Mae will perform at this year's Classical Brit Awards in May.

The nominations for the awards will be announced on 21 April ahead of the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

Soprano Fleming is a Grammy Award winner, while 16-year-old Westenra's album Pure is the biggest-selling debut classical record in the UK.

Vanessa Mae performed at the inaugural Classical Brits in 2000.

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Clapton plays with Stones' Wyman

Eric Clapton has performed on stage with former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman for the first time.

The pair played at a charity concert in London on Monday and were joined by other musicians such as former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green.

Proceeds from the event at London's Royal Albert Hall will go to the Lord's Taverners charity which helps children to get involved in sport.

The One Generation 4 Another concert raised at least £125,000.