Close Enemies at The Whisky – Live Review

Close Enemies, Dead Groove, Kamenar, The Deffades, The Whisky, West Hollywood, CA., January 3, 2026

Close Enemies, the new project from Tom Hamilton of the legendary Aerosmith, has just kicked off a tour for the brand‑new year—making their second stop at the world‑famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. With a band pedigree that’s off the charts and a debut album on the way, there is no doubt that Close Enemies made a ton of new friends at the packed venue. Support acts included solid sets from the hard‑rocking Dead Groove, twin‑brother duo Kamenar visiting all the way from Florida, and the alternative rock of the all‑girl trio The Deffades. This would turn out to be another memorable show for the rock‑and‑roll ages.

The Deffades

I’ve been wanting to see The Deffades for months, and what a perfect night to finally catch them opening for the iconic rockers in Close Enemies. This remarkable trio more than held their own onstage and had a solid number of their own fans in attendance as well. With vibrantly original songs such as Doghouse and Between the Lines, along with a stunning P.J. Harvey cover, The Deffades brought their fierce brand of alternative rock to The Whisky stage. The excitement and energy were absolutely infectious, and they proceeded to win over the early arrivals in nothing short of an epic way.

Ruby Blackburn on bass and vocals and Charlotte Callahan on guitar and vocals commanded the front of the stage from opposite sides, each radiating sheer charisma and talent. Behind them, Edie Anderson was a force of nature on drums and vocals, also known for her work with the excellent local band Vaquita. Their rapturous single Tease Me, So—currently in rotation on Rodney Bingenheimer’s radio show—was a standout moment in the set.

This power trio enraptured the early crowd tenfold, and I cannot wait to see them perform again.

Kamenar

Kamenar delivered an electrifying performance at The Whisky, proving once again why this twin‑brother duo is quickly becoming one of rock’s most exciting rising acts. Their set was tight, energetic, and refreshingly unpretentious—built on sharp riffs, melodic hooks, and the natural chemistry only siblings can pull off. The crowd locked in immediately, feeding off their confidence and stage presence.

The night became even more memorable when the brothers met Close Enemies founder—and legendary Aerosmith bassist—Tom Hamilton backstage right after their set. His warm reaction felt like a passing of the torch. Kamenar walked onstage as openers, but they left like headliners in the making. Congrats to Sean and John Kamenar on an amazing performance—hope to see you both back in LA soon.

Dead Groove

Dead Groove recently announced they’ll be touring in support of the one and only Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and The Dead Daisies. In the meantime, they rang in the New Year by opening directly for Close Enemies—and this trio brought the rock and rage straight into the stratosphere.

From the opening refrains of Maverick to the intense reveries of The Damned and Ghost, Dead Groove sent the near‑capacity room into an auditory frenzy. Vocalist/bassist Holly West (also of Zepparella and The Midnight Cowgirls) delivered a mesmerizing performance—her impassioned singing and staggering low‑end leaving a lasting impression.

Guitarist Jake Faun showcased skilled, imaginative artistry, while drummer Fred Aching—of Kings of Thrash and Powerflo—unleashed a towering performance that made it clear why he’s one of the most sought‑after drummers around.

Toward the end of the set, Dead Groove tore into an astounding rendition of Motörhead’s Ace of Spades. Be sure to check out their latest Rubicon EP, out now via Cleopatra Records. An interview with Holly West and Fred Aching is coming soon to Highwire Daze Online.

Close Enemies

…and then it was time for Close Enemies to take The Whisky stage, and they delivered the performance of a lifetime. What unfolded felt like a rare convergence of legacy, mastery, and fresh creative fire—an electrifying reminder of what happens when true veterans step into the spotlight with something new to say.

At the heart of the band is Tom Hamilton, the multiple Grammy‑winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer whose bass work with Aerosmith helped define generations of rock. Seeing him in such an intimate room was a thrill in itself, and his playing was as fluid, melodic, and commanding as ever. Beside him, Tony Brock—the powerhouse drummer known for his work with The Babys and Rod Stewart—drove the night with thunderous precision, giving every song a heartbeat the crowd could feel in their ribs.

On guitar, Peter Stroud—a touring force with Sheryl Crow and Don Henley—brought polished, expressive textures to each arrangement. Alongside him, Trace Foster added grit, swagger, and the kind of tone that only comes from decades on the road and in the studio. Together, they formed a guitar duo that felt both classic and contemporary.

Fronting the band was Chasen Hampton, whose voice carried the room with ease. Having performed professionally since childhood—as a member and co‑host of the 90s Mickey Mouse Club and as part of the pop group The Party—Hampton brought charisma, range, and emotional weight to every lyric. His presence tied the entire ensemble together.

The setlist blended Close Enemies’ critically acclaimed new material with beloved classics from Aerosmith and The Babys, creating a show that felt both nostalgic and forward‑looking. With upcoming dates under the banner An Evening with Close Enemies – Live in Concert, fans can expect the same intimate, high‑caliber experience. At The Whisky, they didn’t just play—they proved exactly why this lineup is something special.

IN CONCLUSION

As the final notes faded and the lights came up inside The Whisky, one thing was unmistakably clear: this wasn’t just another night on the Sunset Strip. It was a statement. From the rising fire of the openers to the seasoned brilliance of Close Enemies, the entire evening showcased rock and roll in its most vital, living form. Tom Hamilton and his powerhouse lineup proved that legacy and innovation can collide in the most exhilarating ways, while the supporting acts showed that the future of rock is every bit as fierce as its past. If this show is any indication of what’s ahead, the Close Enemies tour is shaping up to be one of the must‑see events of the year. Here’s to the next chapter—and to every band on that stage reminding us why live music still hits like nothing else.

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

Close Enemies on Instagram
Dead Groove on Instagram
Kamenar on Instagram
The Deffades on Instagram