Following the soggy but extraordinarily successful 1982 Tornado Jam, Parks Director Dan Kamp said the Buddy Holly Park buffalo grass turf damage did not appear more serious than expected, considering the inclement weather.
He pointed out the city should not be out much extra expense to restore the park.
How Lubbock city leaders nixed the 4th Tornado Jam
But by April of 1983, Kamp and the Parks & Recreation Board had changed their tune. They recommended to the city council that promoters of Joe Ely’s Fourth Annual Tornado Jam be denied use of Buddy Holly Park, the site of each of the previous Jams.
Joe Ely’s personal manager Chet Hansen and local liaison Steve Moss proposed the event be moved from May to September to accommodate the production company, Feyline Productions. They also offered a $1,000,000 insurance policy to cover any damage to the park. They said superstar Linda Ronstadt expressed an interest in a return engagement. Comedians Dan Ackroyd and Robin Williams wanted to join in the fun as well…