Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton’s new supergroup Close Enemies expands its 2026 tour schedule while preparing a debut album, offering fans rare performances of deep-cut Aerosmith tracks Hamilton co-wrote but rarely performed live with the legendary band.
Tom Hamilton, the legendary bassist and founding member of Aerosmith, is carving a distinct path with his newly formed supergroup Close Enemies, announcing expanded 2026 tour dates and confirming plans for a debut album release. This move represents more than just another side project—it signals a meaningful evolution in the career of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
The Supergroup Lineup: Musical Royalty Unites
Close Enemies brings together an impressive roster of seasoned musicians, each with their own notable pedigree. Alongside Hamilton, the group features vocalist Chasen Hampton, guitarists Trace Foster (Hamilton’s longtime Aerosmith bass tech) and Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow’s longtime guitarist), and drummer Tony Brock (The Babys, Rod Stewart). This assembly of talent creates a unique musical chemistry that blends decades of experience across multiple rock genres.
2026 Tour Expansion: From California to Florida
The band has been performing throughout 2025 and began announcing 2026 tour dates last month, with initial shows focused on California venues. The tour expansion now includes Florida dates scheduled for January 2026, with additional shows expected to be revealed according to the band’s official website. This strategic rollout demonstrates careful planning for national reach rather than regional appearances.
Setlist Strategy: Deep Cuts Over Greatest Hits
Hamilton has established clear ethical parameters for Close Enemies’ performances, specifically focusing on Aerosmith songs he co-wrote rather than the band’s biggest hits. As he explained to Ultimate Classic Rock, “As far I’m concerned, ethically, it had to be songs that I had co-written. It’s not like we’re going to get up there and play ‘Walk This Way,’ ‘Dream On’ [and songs like that].”
This approach allows Hamilton to showcase songs that rarely made it into Aerosmith’s setlists, particularly highlighting “Sick as a Dog” from the 1976 album “Rocks.” Hamilton expressed particular excitement about finally performing this track live: “I’ve been dying to play that song live for so long. I was having trouble getting the guys in Aerosmith to put it in the set. I realized, ‘Alright, this is my chance! Now I get to hear that song on stage again.'”
Album Plans and Musical Direction
Following the release of five singles throughout 2025, Close Enemies has confirmed plans for a full album release tentatively scheduled for March 2026. The album represents the culmination of the band’s creative collaboration and offers Hamilton a platform for musical expression beyond his Aerosmith responsibilities.
The timing is particularly significant given Aerosmith’s current status. While the legendary band continues to perform and release new music—including their recent collaboration with YUNGBLUD and Lainey Wilson on “Wild Woman (Lainey Wilson Version)”—Hamilton’s parallel project with Close Enemies demonstrates his continued creative vitality and desire to explore different musical territories.
Why This Matters Beyond the Music
Hamilton’s commitment to Close Enemies represents more than just another rock star side project. It demonstrates several important trends in the modern music industry:
- Legacy Artist Evolution: Established artists are finding new ways to connect with audiences beyond their primary bands
- Creative Fulfillment: Even massively successful musicians seek outlets for underutilized creative energies
- Fan Access: Supergroups provide unique opportunities to hear rare material performed in intimate settings
- Musical Preservation: Keeping deep cuts and lesser-known songs alive through performance
The expansion of Close Enemies’ tour schedule and album plans confirms this is not a fleeting project but a serious musical endeavor with long-term potential. For Hamilton, it offers artistic satisfaction; for fans, it provides access to a different side of a rock legend’s musical personality.
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