by photojournalist Chaz Dykes
On January 23, 2026, the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo, Florida, felt less like a seated venue and more like a full-throttle rock club as Close Enemies took the stage and delivered a night that balanced legacy, chemistry, and fresh fire.
Featuring Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) on bass, Trace Foster (guitar tech for ACDC, Aerosmith) and Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow, Don Henley) on guitars, Tony Brock (The Babys, Rod Stewart) on drums, and powerhouse vocalist Chasen Hampton, the band moved effortlessly through a set that blended classic touchstones with original material.
Songs drawn from Aerosmith and The Babys sat comfortably alongside their own, with standouts like Sweet Emotion and Midnight Rendezvous drawing an immediate and enthusiastic response from the crowd. The set never felt like a nostalgia exercise—it felt alive, intentional, and fully present. Each member brought a commanding presence to the stage.
The guitars were sharp and confident, the drums driving with authority and experience, and the vocals soaring with clarity and conviction. Tom Hamilton anchored it all with a bass performance that was both rock-solid and deeply musical. On a personal note, growing up listening to Aerosmith played a major role in shaping my love of rock music, and Hamilton’s bass lines were among those that influenced my own journey into becoming a professional bass player. Seeing him perform live—still locked in, still powerful—was both inspiring and full-circle meaningful.
Opening the show was Tampa’s own Kamenar, who brought their brand of high-energy rock to the stage and set the tone perfectly for the night ahead.
The group of twin brothers delivered a tight, energetic performance that clearly resonated with the home-state crowd, proving they were more than up to the task of warming up the room. Kamenar will be joining Close Enemies for other dates in Florida as well.
By the time Close Enemies wrapped their set, it was clear the audience had witnessed something special—a band built on history, skill, and genuine love for the music, still pushing forward rather than looking back.
