Unsubbed 50-Cent at Manchester Arena Review for The Bolton News

50-Cent arrived at the MEN arena on Friday with high expectations from a sold-out crowd.

The rap superstar came in toe with his group, G-Unit – short for Guerrilla Unit, for a night of nostalgia following a five year absence from Manchester.

Colin Francis and CJ iDJ were tasked with warming up a crowd that was anxious to see the main attraction.

The duo offered a selection of house hits from the get-go to try and generate energy within the attendees, however there was an air of lethargy as the tracks played mirrored those that are usually played at low-budget club nights.

Some classic rap-hits were later played, including Biggie Smalls’ Juicy and 2Pac’s California Love to invigorate an unreceptive crowd up until that point.

That uncertain vibe was eradicated when 50-Cent and co touched down on stage.

They opened with ‘What Up Gangsta’ and ‘I Get Money’, the latter of which may have been an ironic nod to 50 filing for bankruptcy back in July.

You wouldn’t have guessed it given the beaming smile the rapper wore on his face throughout.

The set list was a mix of old and new tracks but it was quite obvious that the former proved more favourable within the capacity crowd.

Although, given that the newer tracks didn’t hit home as hard as the old, you certainly found yourself head-bopping along with the lively cohort on stage.

Tracks such as ‘P.I.M.P’, ‘Candy Shop’ and ‘In da Club’ particularly rolled back the years, bringing back memories of his infamous rise to prominence.

He delivered a unique appeal that leaves you wanting more of his debauchery-laden lyrics. So much so, that a bra was thrown at him.

50-Cent reaffirmed his love for hip-hop before exiting, a love that was reciprocated for him from the fan faithful in attendance.

Unsubbed Remembrance Day Feature for The Bolton News

THREE generations of a family of a war veteran paid a poignant tribute at the war memorial in Leigh on Remembrance Sunday.

Thomas Sales served under the first and sixth Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers in the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry in France and Belgium between 1940 and 1946.

Children Margaret, Thomas and Terence, grandchildren Michael, Patricia, Kieron, Janine, Fiona and Jennifer and great grandchildren Connor, Charlotte, Mason, Lucas, Mila-rose, Alfie and Finlay were all there to pay their respects.

The youngest of those in attendance was Alfie who is only 18 months old. It was the first time since his birth that the family had gathered together to remember Mr. Sales.

Amongst the relatives was Thomas Sales’ grandson Michael Parry, of St. Mary’s Court in Lowton.

The 47-year-old said: “It’s not just about my grandad but the whole history of who has fought in the war. He was the oldest serving veteran in Leigh aged 92 before he died four years ago.

“It was a sad day but I used to go to the Remembrance services with him and in many ways, I keep going to them now to keep his memory going.”

The Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Susan Loudon led the laying of the wreath at the service on behalf of the Wigan Council.

She said: “I can remember going to the service at an early age and not being able to see the important people or see what they were doing, it was completely different on Sunday. The people, the Veterans, the uniformed organisations did Leigh proud. Just what the town deserves.”

The turnout for Remembrance Sunday has risen significantly over the years.

Reverend Canon Tony Butterworth, Vicar at Christ Church Pennington in Leigh offered insight on the increase in the number of people in attendance.

He said: “Last year there were around 1,000 at the war memorial, so many that the area itself was too small for everyone.

“It truly is a fitting remembrance of all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the country and those who are serving on our behalf today to keep our world a safer place.

Generations come together at service

The family of a Leigh veteran paid a poignant tribute on Remembrance Sunday.

Thomas Sales served under the first and sixth Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers in the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry in France and Belgium between 1940 and 1946.

Children Margaret, Thomas and Terence, grandchildren Michael, Patricia, Kieron, Janine, Fiona and Jennifer and great grandchildren Connor, Charlotte, Mason, Lucas, Mila-rose, Alfie and Finlay were all there to pay their respects at the war memorial.

The youngest of the family is Alfie who is only 18 months old. It was the first time since his birth that the family had gathered together to remember Mr Sales.

Grandson Michael Parry, 47, of St Mary’s Court, Lowton, said: “It is not just about my granddad but the whole history of who fought in the war. He was the oldest serving veteran in Leigh aged 92 before he died four years ago.

“It was a sad day but I used to go to the Remembrance services with him and in many ways, I keep going to them now to keep his memory going.”

The Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Susan Loudon led the laying of the wreath at the service on behalf of the Wigan Council and Andy Burnham MP was among the dignitaries.

She said: “I an remember going to the service at an early age and not being able to see the important people or see what they were doing, it was completely different on Sunday.

“The people, the veterans, the uniformed organisations did Leigh proud. Just what the town deserves.”

The turnout for Remembrance Sunday has risen significantly over the years.

Reverend Canon Tony Butterworth, Vicar at Christ Church Pennington, said: “Last year there were around 1,000 at the war memorial, so many that the area itself was too small for everyone.

“It truly is a fitting remembrance of all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the country and those who are serving on our behalf today to keep our world a safer place.”

Published on Thursday, November 12, 2015 in the Leigh Journal.

Photocopy of the article in the Leigh Journal