THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.
North Tonawanda, NY -The West-Herr Riviera Theatre came alive Thursday night with a nearly sold-out crowd of enthusiastic rock fans, many in their 50s and beyond, eager for a night of high-caliber live music. The bill featured two standout acts: glam-metal veteran Tom Keifer, frontman of Cinderella, making his first Western New York appearance since 2019, and Close Enemies, a newly formed supergroup started in 2024, making their local debut. Anchored by Aerosmith’s legendary bassist Tom Hamilton, Close Enemies delivered a tight, dynamic set that showcased their fresh chemistry, while Keifer balanced his classic hits with newer material that underscored his continued drive as a songwriter and performer.
Close Enemies opened the evening with a sharp, well-rehearsed set that gave the audience a taste of what’s to come from this newly minted rock outfit. The band’s lineup reads like a who’s who of seasoned talent: Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith on bass, Tony Brock of The Babys behind the drum kit, Peter Stroud from Sheryl Crow’s band on guitar, and Chasen Hampton—formerly of The Party—handling lead vocals with great stage presence and vocal prowess. The mastermind behind the group is Trace Foster, guitarist and songwriter whose résumé includes stints with the Melissa Etheridge band and years as a trusted guitar tech for rock royalty including Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC. Close Enemies’ debut album is slated for digital release later this year, with physical copies expected in early 2026.
Close Enemies delivered a nine-song set that leaned heavily into fresh material, with seven originals that showcased the band’s tight musicianship and modern rock sensibilities. They kicked things off with “Rain,” a driving opener built around layered twin guitars and a steady groove. For many in the audience unfamiliar with the band, it didn’t take long to get pulled in; just a few minutes into the song, heads were nodding and energy was electric.
The band’s set featured all five of their currently released digital tracks—“Rain,” “Inside Out,” “Sweet Baby Jesus,” “Mystery of Love,” and “Sound of a Train”—along with two unreleased songs, “Love is a Battlefield” and “Take a Pill,” that gave fans a preview of what’s to come. It was a strong showing that highlighted Close Enemies’ impressive songwriting chops and collective talent. Watching rock legend Tom Hamilton flawlessly command the bass was a show in itself—his tasteful, understated lines anchored each song with finesse, and it was hard to take your eyes off him. A criminally underrated player, Hamilton’s tasteful bass work and magnetic presence made him impossible to ignore—he didn’t just support the songs, he elevated them.
The set finished with a nod to Tony Brock’s past through the classic track “Head First” from The Babys, and “Sick As A Dog,” a well-received Aerosmith cut that gave Tom Hamilton a spotlight moment. Despite their slot as the opener, Close Enemies made a compelling case for headliner status with a performance that demanded attention. As the final notes rang out, the audience rose to their feet in a well-deserved standing ovation—proof that Close Enemies didn’t just warm up the crowd; they won them over. They are truly the best new band of 2025.
For more on Close Enemies please visit- https://closeenemiestheband.com/
Close Enemies set list
Rain
Inside Out
Sweet Baby Jesus
Take a Pill
Love is a Battlefield
Mystery of Love
Sound of a Train
Head First
Sick as a Dog
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After Close Enemies’ fantastic performance, rock icon Tom Keifer took the stage with his powerhouse band: Savannah Keifer (vocals/percussion), Tony Higbee (guitar), Billy Mercer (bass), Jarred Pope (drums), Kory Myers (keyboards), and Tanya Davis (vocals). Keifer’s set delivered a well-balanced mix of classic Cinderella hits and standout tracks from his two acclaimed solo records, ‘The Way Life Goes’ (2013) and ‘Rise’ (2019). At 64 years old, Keifer looked strikingly similar to his ‘Night Songs’-era self from Cinderella’s 1986 debut—lean, leather-clad, and full of fire. Has he found the fountain of youth, or is his lifelong addiction to rock ’n’ roll the secret to staying timeless?
Keifer kicked off his 15-song set with “The More Things Change,” and from that first note, the energy was electric. The band locked in immediately, and the crowd responded in kind—standing from the start and staying on their feet for the entire performance. His solo material blended seamlessly with the Cinderella classics, creating a setlist that felt both nostalgic and fresh. It’s hard to believe that after nearly four decades in rock, Keifer has only released six records—four with Cinderella and, as previously mentioned, two solo albums. But he’s always been about quality over quantity. There isn’t a weak track in his catalog, and live, these songs take on a whole new life. Keifer remains a brilliant artist whose passion and precision continue to resonate.
Keifer’s voice—once nearly silenced by vocal cord issues—was in top form, trademark gritty and powerful throughout the night. “Nobody’s Fool” became one of the evening’s emotional high points, with Savannah Keifer and Tanya Davis adding rich harmonies that elevated the song’s intensity. “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” brought out the lighters and cell phones, as Keifer took to the piano with Savannah by his side, turning the ballad into a shared moment that resonated deeply with longtime fans. The chemistry between Keifer and guitarist Tony Higbee was undeniable—two seasoned players trading solos and feeding off each other’s energy like a well-oiled machine.
The set closed with a rousing encore of “Gypsy Road” and a powerful cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends,” sending the crowd into a final frenzy. Keifer’s blend of bluesy hard rock and heartfelt storytelling proves he’s not just surviving the decades—he’s thriving. In a genre where many fade, Tom Keifer continues to rise.
It was a night of two Toms—Tom Keifer and Tom Hamilton—each a rock music legend in his own right, sharing the stage at the perfect venue for a celebration of grit, melody, and timeless performance. From the rising force of Close Enemies to the seasoned firepower of Keifer’s band, the evening delivered everything a rock fan could ask for. It really doesn’t get much better than this. Here’s hoping we see many more shows from both Keifer and Close Enemies—because nights like these remind us why we fell in love with rock ’n’ roll in the first place.
For more on Tom Keifer visit on www.tomkeifer.com
Tom Keifer setlist
The More Things Change
Coming Home
The Death of Me
Bad Seamstress Blues
Rise
Nobody’s Fool
Solid Ground
Night Songs
Somebody Save Me
The Last Mile
Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
Shake Me
Shelter Me
Encore:
Gypsy Road
With a Little Help From My Friends
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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