Legendary Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton isn’t letting retirement slow him down.
He’s stepping into the spotlight as leader of Close Enemies, an all-star rock supergroup that’s generating serious buzz in the music world.
The band will drop its full-length debut album in March 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician.
And fans won’t have to wait much longer to experience what promises to be an electrifying addition to rock’s evolving landscape.
From Aerosmith’s End to Close Enemies’ Beginning
Close Enemies emerged from unexpected circumstances in 2023.
Aerosmith’s farewell tour came to an abrupt halt when frontman Steven Tyler suffered a serious larynx injury just three shows in. The 77-year-old’s voice wasn’t expected to fully recover, forcing the Grammy-winning legends to retire from performing after decades of dominating rock stages worldwide.
For Hamilton, who co-founded Aerosmith back in 1970, this wasn’t the end—it was a beginning.
According to Blabbermouth, the five musicians are close friends despite their band’s ironic name. They started collaborating on music together shortly after Aerosmith’s retirement became official.
An All-Star Lineup Worth the Hype
Close Enemies isn’t just Hamilton’s solo project—it’s a powerhouse collaboration featuring some serious musical pedigree.
The lineup includes:
- Tony Brock on drums, best known for his work with The Babys
- Peter Stroud on guitar, who toured extensively with Sheryl Crow
- Trace Foster on guitar, AC/DC’s trusted tech guru who knows his way around a Gibson
- Chasen Hampton on vocals, who got his start on “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club”
Hamilton had particularly high praise for frontman Hampton.
When I joined, these guys had worked up a bunch of great songs, and I was able to contribute something I had. Hopefully, when the time comes, we’ll work up some others I’ve had in my pocket for a while. All of these guys are great musicians, and it’s an honor and a challenge to be part of it all.
He described Hampton as “a gifted singer… who really made the songs come to life.”
First Performance Jitters and Pure Energy
Close Enemies made their live concert debut in October, and Hamilton admitted to feeling some pre-show nerves.
I was a little bit nervous, you know. But that feeling, it energizes you. It doesn’t hold you back. It makes you want to dive in deeper and deeper.
That nervous energy clearly fueled the performance rather than hindering it.
The band has already released five singles to date, including “Sweet Baby Jesus” and “More Than I Could Ever Need.” These tracks showcase Hamilton’s ability to craft compelling music outside Aerosmith’s massive shadow.
What Fans Can Expect From Close Enemies
Close Enemies isn’t abandoning rock history—they’re building on it.
Beyond original material, the band performs selections from both Aerosmith’s legendary catalog and The Babys’ impressive discography. This gives longtime fans a nostalgic connection while introducing fresh interpretations of classic tracks.
Hamilton told AARP he’s excited about fan reactions to the new material.
I’m looking forward to seeing how people like it. I think they’ll be pleasantly amazed.
Special Album Preview for VIP Fans
Die-hard supporters won’t have to wait until March 2026 to get their hands on Close Enemies’ debut.
According to Blabbermouth, fans who purchase VIP tickets for Close Enemies’ upcoming California and Florida tour dates will receive limited-edition early production CDs of the album. It’s an exclusive opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of rock history before official release.
Honoring an Incredible Legacy
Hamilton’s previous band needs little introduction.
Aerosmith dominated rock music for decades with massive hits like “Dream On,” “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Crazy,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Livin’ on the Edge” and their groundbreaking collaboration with Run-DMC on “Walk This Way.”
The band Hamilton co-founded in 1970 alongside Tyler, Joe Perry, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford became one of the biggest bands on the planet.
Now, with Close Enemies, Hamilton is proving that creative drive doesn’t retire—it simply evolves into something new and equally compelling.