Photos by Joanna Gleason
Review by Jean Senat Fleury
On Friday January 10, 2025, the Boston City Winery welcomed Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton with his new band. Hamilton’s new group Close Enemies took the stage at 7:30 p.m. performing in front of an audience typically fans of the iconic Boston band Aerosmith.
Considering the popularity of every member of the group, long time artists in the music industry: Trace Foster, Tom Hamilton, Peter Stroud, Tony Brock, Chasen Hampson, it feels natural to get a great excitement from the public when Close Enemies interpreted some of Aerosmith’s songs.
As a professional photographer and a fan of live music, personally I love Aerosmith and when I heard that their bass player was in the new band, I knew I had to go. Even though it was difficult to find a parking space (downtown Boston + Celtics Game) just cross the street) I did not regret my decision. It was a wonderful show at a very intimate venue (285 guests). The audience, and most of them from the baby boomer generation, were greatly excited to meet that group of talented musicians.
In addition to Hamilton’s expertise on bass, Close Enemies includes Peter Stroud, a touring guitarist for Sheryl Crow and Don Henley, Tony Brock, drummer of the British rock band The Baby's; vocalist Chasen Hampton, whose singing experience started with a stint on “The All-New Micky Mouse Club;” and guitarist Trace Foster, a guitar technician for groups including Aerosmith and AC/DC.
They played a mixture of their own songs and some covers like "Sweet Emotion" and they owned the music. They were amazing and the crowd just loved the ambiance. The band was having so much fun playing with and off each other.
It was a special and magnificent night of music. With Close Enemies plans to release their first album, fans at City Winery have been glad to be part of the creation of the new band.
“It feels natural,” Hamilton said, reflecting on the atmosphere of club shows. “You’re onstage, there’s an audience, and you want them to get off in what you’re doing.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and multi-Grammy Award Winner was clear and direct in Close Enemies’ goals. “The overarching goal is the same as that of any nascent rock group: “To take [the music] as far as it will go.”
Close Enemies Setlist
Rain
Inside Out
Sweet Baby Jesus
Wink and Feather
More than I could ever need
Dry Package
Mysteries of Love
Sick as a Dog
Midnight Rendezvous
Sweet Emotion
Head First
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