50 Cent Shines, Whines at CiRCA

  • Posted by Tim
  • Filed in Music
  • June 23, 2008

50 CentG Unit and 50 Cent arrived in Toronto on Sunday night for a special, intimate performance at CiRCA. I arrived just after 11 to find them already on stage. The ground floor was packed, the second floor busy and the third roped off for a few dozen media and VIPs.

As everyone knows, when someone like 50 Cent usually comes to town, he's booked for a massive venue like the ACC, so seeing him in a space the size and shape of CiRCA is definitely a rare treat at this stage in his career. He didn't disappoint, at first, flashing his infectious smile and generally inspiring the crowd to dance, cheer and snap pics on their camera phones.

His humour and charisma reminded me of his over-looked performance in the under-rated film that was Get Rich or Die Trying.

50 cent circa

Anyway, the set was going pretty well, except every couple of songs he'd give the crowd a bit of flack for not being that into it. But, of course, we were. I just don't think he understands Toronto crowds. We don't go crazy. We're nice and sometimes a bit passive but it doesn't mean we're not down with the show.

The situation was probably exacerbated by the fact that the venue wasn't full. I'm not sure if it was the high sticker price ($100+ a ticket) or what but the less than capacity crowd probably couldn't generate the amount of noise and energy he's used to. At a quarter to midnight he finally had enough, graciously saying thank you and goodnight but not before repeating a few times that he didn't understand the audience. We just weren't giving him what he was looking for.

So with that I left the building, on my way out passing two leggy women just coming in the entrance, fresh from forking out the coin for the tickets wondering aloud why so many people were headed for the exit.

More photos:

50 cent toronto

50 cent circa big

50 cent poster

circa outside

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stunning photos!

Posted by: bella at June 23, 2008 2:02 AM

You'd think for all the hype, CiRCA would put even a little sign out front indicating where they're located. It's impossible to be on John St on a weekend night without having a half dozen people ask if you have any idea where CiRCA is... usually they're standing in front of it.

Posted by: Chris Orbz at June 23, 2008 3:07 AM

Fiddy doesn't get Toronto audiences? Him and me both.

Still, at $100 a ticket what was the promoter expecting? Knock it down to $50 and put them in a much bigger venue.

Lastly, wtf was Fiddy thinking? You don't just walk out because the people who forked over a hundred bucks aren't all lighting up blunts at your beck and call. They paid to see a show, give them a show.

I'll bet ya $6 that the MBMG show at Wrongbar this Thursday leaves people hot, sweaty, and satisfied. $6 being the price of entry as well.

Posted by: Ry-Tron at June 23, 2008 7:52 AM

What a princess.

Each member of that audience paid $100 to see him mumble. He should appreciate that, and work with the reaction he gets. If he wants more, he needs to up his performance, not criticize the audience.

And ending the show early? Totally unprofessional! Are you really saying he was on stage for just 45 minutes, or had he started well before 11?

Posted by: Dave at June 23, 2008 10:55 AM

you didnt mention that he called us the "screwface city".
and that he felt like he was back in new york. haha amazing.
plus 3/4 of the audience got in for free.

Posted by: TEGAN at June 23, 2008 11:58 AM

CiRCA had nothing to do with the show it just was the venue. The Promoters initally carged 100 bucks but soon realized they need to drop it down to 60...then 40.

Alot of people (myself included)were upset at how lame the show was considering they were on for over an hour in front of 5 thousand people in sudbury the night before.

I think the event was poorly promoted and as someone mentioned ALOT of people got in for free.

Posted by: 2 dimes and a nickel at June 23, 2008 3:46 PM

50 is right. Toronto is the Screwface Capital.

And we showed him how Screwface we can be. ... I just don't think he understands Toronto crowds. We don't go crazy. We're nice and sometimes a bit passive but it doesn't mean we're not down with the show.

Posted by: SCREWFACE at June 23, 2008 3:51 PM

it's not that we're meanbugging, we just dont know how to dance

Posted by: guy lafleur stole my bike at June 23, 2008 9:33 PM

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