Rock Royalty Ruled the Culture Room: Close Enemies Delivers Aerosmith-Sized Energy

All images by Larry Marano

Close Enemies proved that supergroups can still surprise. Led by Aerosmith's legendary Tom Hamilton alongside veterans from The Babys and Sheryl Crow's touring arsenal, the band transformed Fort Lauderdale's Culture Room into a classic rock cathedral on January 24, 2026. Opening act Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze set the tone before Close Enemies unleashed a high-octane mix of original material and iconic covers, including a thunderous "Sweet Emotion" that reminded the packed house why Hamilton's bass lines have anchored rock radio for decades. The intimate venue amplified the raw energy, creating the kind of sweat-soaked, speaker-rattling experience that proves rock and roll still thrives when the right musicians share a stage.