NEW MUSIC … American Jetset drops remake of Jackson Browne’s classic “Running On Empty” to kickoff 2026

“This cover is a classic but it ain’t the one you kept rewinding in your dad’s Mustang. It’s loaded with that Saloon Rock Whiskey Pop energy you know and love.”
— American Jetset on their new version of Jackson Browne‘s ‘Running On Empty’

WASHINGTON D.C., U.S.A. — Welcome and Happy New Year to everyone… it’s a new year with new everything so what better way to kick off 2026 than with some brand new music from American Jetset.

American Jetset call the Nation’s Capital their home but they’re far from a local band as AMJ have been crisscrossing the lower 48 for years.

Since launching their 80’s infected brand of rock in 2018 American Jetset have been consistent in releasing high quality produced product and their live show reflects more of the same.

Now as the second quarter of the 21st century begins AMJ have just dropped their latest… a remake of the Jackson Browne classic “Running On Empty” and upon an initial listen, it passes the test.

The band have tackled this new track and like the original it just feels good and makes you wanna live life… whether it’s your gas tank or your brain that is almost empty… this song makes you say to yourself, “I can do this!”

In addition to frontman MacGregor, American Jetset have a very capable lineup including; Skinz Skinsacos (lead guitar), Kevin Harrington (bass) and Jeff Bradford (drums).

AMJ‘s “Runnin’ On Empty” was recorded in Baltimore at Deep End Studios, produced by Tony Correlli and MacGregor, with Correlli handling engineering and mastering duties.

One thing is evident… MacGregor and his crew are life-long musicians who have experienced plenty of highs and no doubt their fair share of lows… and covering a song that they likely first heard as kids makes this full-circle for the group.

It’s always interesting to rewind and listen to an original and then hear a modern artist’s take on that same classic tune – often a song that we all heard countless years earlier in our youth – and as soon as you press play, you’re back in >insert year here<.

The Atari’s remake of Don Henley‘s “Boys Of Summer” comes to mind, and they did that tune justice, especially with that lyric; “I saw a Black Flag sticker on a Cadillac“, what a genius one-liner. Kudos!

A quick search notes that Browne released his version in 1977, 49 years ago… and one can’t help but think that MacGregor may have had a lump in his throat while singing some of these lyrics as he reflected on those younger years sitting with an AM radio.

MacGregor added his own flavor to this remake when he sings, “In 85 I was seventeen and runnin’ up 101” and you believe him!

Then in verse two MacGregor sings, “In ’89 I was twenty-one, I called the road my own“, adding 20 years to Browne‘s lyrics recalling the 60’s, but… MacGregor is an 80’s product and this just feels right. Kudos to you the same Ian!

MacGregor and AMJ appear to have been reinvigorated by their latest recording journey and even stated in a social media post: “2025 almost did us in and this track was close to being a goodbye to our fans. (But)… turns out NAHHHH…we’ve still got plenty of gas left in the tank.”

AMJ add: “This cover is a classic but it ain’t the one you kept rewinding in your dad’s Mustang. It’s loaded with that Saloon Rock Whiskey Pop energy you know and love.”

Now to go along with their latest release the band have already started to post a few up-coming shows for the new year which will see them playing live on both coasts again.

Look for American Jetset at the official M3 Music Festival pre-party on May 1st 2026 in Colombia Maryland with Ron Keel and then a trek west to play the famed ‘Whisky-A-Go-Go‘ on July 23rd 2026 with Tuff, Foxy Roxx and Last Wish.

Metal Sludge encourages you to fill up the tank, make your way to the next American Jetset show and don’t forget to crank up “Running On Empty” on your journey.

Find AMJ on all related social media and music platforms as shared below.