Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton Drops New Single With Close Enemies: ‘More Than I Could Ever Need’

Tom Hamilton performs on stage with Close Enemies, playing bass alongside bandmates during a live performance.

via Kenz Vidz / YouTube

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton has unveiled a deeply personal new single with his all-star band, Close Enemies. Titled “More Than I Could Ever Need,” the song is a moving rock ballad written as a heartfelt tribute to his wife of nearly five decades. It stands as a testament to enduring love and the ability of music to capture life’s most meaningful connections.

The track arrives through TLG|ROCK and is distributed via Virgin Music Group, continuing the band’s steady run of releases in 2025. For Hamilton, this song is more than just a creative milestone — it’s an emotional statement forged from a lifetime of shared moments. Listeners can expect a blend of tender lyricism, atmospheric guitar work, and a performance that reflects the depth of his personal commitment.

Close Enemies features an impressive lineup: Tony Brock from The Babys on drums, Peter Stroud of Sheryl Crow’s band on guitar, Trace Foster — a longtime AC/DC tech guru — and multi-talented vocalist Chasen Hampton. Together, they bring Hamilton’s vision to life with a combination of veteran musicianship and fresh creative energy.

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How Close Enemies Came Together

The origins of Close Enemies trace back more than two years, sparked by a chance conversation during an Aerosmith tour hiatus. Hamilton had a backlog of songs he wanted to develop, and a conversation with Foster lit the spark. Foster reached out to Stroud, who in turn brought in Brock — a drummer he had long wanted to collaborate with — and the chemistry was immediate.

Initially, Foster and Stroud were involved in another project, but the opportunity to work with Hamilton shifted their focus. Foster recalls deciding to “up his game” and pursue a project that made sense both musically and personally, especially at a stage in life where passion and practicality needed to align. The idea wasn’t just to jam but to craft something meaningful from the start.

Once the musicians convened, what began as a few days of collaboration quickly grew into a longer, more dedicated session. Hamilton’s openness to extending their time together signaled to the others that this was a serious endeavor worth committing to. That early burst of work laid the foundation for what would become the Close Enemies sound.

The Music and the Message Behind “More Than I Could Ever Need”

“More Than I Could Ever Need” stands apart from typical rock ballads in its sincerity and depth. Written entirely by Hamilton, the track is a love letter to his wife, encapsulating decades of companionship, challenges, and shared victories. The lyrics are intimate yet universal, allowing listeners to connect with its themes of loyalty and enduring affection.

Musically, the song blends warm, melodic guitar lines with a steady, heartfelt rhythm section. Hampton’s vocals give Hamilton’s words an emotional lift, balancing vulnerability with power. The result is a track that feels both timeless and contemporary — rooted in classic rock sensibilities yet fresh enough to resonate with new audiences.

The single follows the group’s earlier 2025 releases, including “Rain,” “Sweet Baby Jesus,” “Inside Out,” and their debut, “Sound of a Train.” Each track has showcased a different facet of the band’s identity, but “More Than I Could Ever Need” is perhaps their most personal and poignant effort to date.

 

 

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Looking Ahead for Close Enemies

Close Enemies made their live debut on October 11, 2024, at Eastside Bowl in Nashville, an event Hamilton described as both nerve-wracking and energizing. That first performance confirmed for the members that their chemistry in the studio could translate powerfully to the stage. The reception from the audience suggested they were onto something worth building.

In interviews, Hamilton has expressed admiration for his bandmates’ musicianship and collaborative spirit. He has hinted at having more material in reserve, suggesting that fans can expect additional original songs in the future. For him, Close Enemies is not just a side project but a meaningful outlet for ideas that might not fit within the Aerosmith framework.

With Aerosmith’s touring days now behind them following the cancellation of their “Peace Out” tour, Hamilton’s creative focus has shifted toward new horizons. Close Enemies represents both a continuation of his musical journey and a reinvention, offering a fresh chapter for a rock veteran who still has stories to tell — and the passion to tell them.