Little-known fact about AD: The first mp3 I ever downloaded was Terrapin Station from 8.9.98. I tried to save it to a floppy, having little idea what an mp3 was.
7 hour drives are pretty common for touring bands, but it would be a shame if distance caused the gig to be scuttled. Perhaps local promoter hasn't finalised paperwork or something. Or maybe they found out it's a dry venue.