Rickey Medlocke, Michael Cartellone, and Mark Matejka (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Members of the legendary Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd · Music - Rock & Roll / Southern Rock
Lynyrd Skynyrd / Blackfoot
Era
Modern Era (post-2006). Based on the inclusion of Mark Matejka, who joined the band in 2006.
Item Type
Acoustic Guitar
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint. The wood shows no major cracking, and the signatures are crisp with no smudging or ink transfer.
Rarity
Moderate. The current lineup signs frequently for fans and charity auctions, making their signatures relatively accessible compared to the 1970s lineup.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic-looking piece of Southern Rock memorabilia. Desirable for a fan of the band's current incarnation, though the 'Pinmonkeys' notation makes it a niche piece.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signatures display the quick, fluid motion characteristic of backstage or VIP meet-and-greet signings.
Signature Style
Cursive scripts with varying degrees of legibility. Rickey Medlocke includes his typical 'Blackfoot' flourish style; Michael Cartellone is vertical and loopy.
Signature Characteristics
Fluid motion with high speed; minimal pen lifts within individual names. The slant is inconsistent between signers, suggesting they signed the guitar at different angles.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (likely Sharpie) on a natural finish acoustic guitar top. The ink shows good saturation with no significant fading.
Item Description
A natural wood finished acoustic guitar featuring a spruce or cedar top and dark bridge. There is an inscription 'Pinmonkeys' written largely on the side.
Estimated Value
$400 - $700. Value is limited by being a non-original lineup and the 'Pinmonkeys' inscription, which may refer to a specific event or opening act.
Comparison to Known Examples
Medlocke's signature matches known examples from the 2010s; Matejka's 'M' and 'j' formation is consistent with his standard fan-signed items.
Authentication Tips
Check Rickey Medlocke's 'R' and the loop of his 'y'. For Cartellone, look for the tight vertical clustering of the letters.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), as they have extensive databases for modern rock bands.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The varying ink pressure suggests they were signed by different hands in a live environment.
Provenance Notes
The 'Pinmonkeys' inscription suggests a connection to the country band 'The Pinmonkeys'. Proving they shared a stage would solidify the provenance.
Historical Context
This represents the 'survivors and successors' era of the band, which has toured extensively to keep the legacy of Southern Rock alive in the 21st century.
Market Trends
Stable. Modern Lynyrd Skynyrd memorabilia maintains a steady floor due to their massive, loyal fanbase, though it lacks the explosive growth of 1970s material.
Investment Potential
Moderate to Low. While a nice collectible, modern-era band signatures generally track with inflation rather than providing high-yielding returns.
Similar Autographs
Autographs from The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, or 38 Special.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the ink from fading into the wood. A wall-mounted shadow box with UV-protected acrylic is recommended.
Interesting Facts
Rickey Medlocke was actually an original member of the band (drummer) in the early 70s before leaving and later returning as a guitarist in 1996.