Some of the items are poignant mementos of Skynyrd history and sentiment, others, quite frankly, are tacky. Two autographed Johnny Van Zant posters go on the block. Johnny took over as the band's lead singer after brother Ronnie's death. Then something extraordinary comes up for auction. It's a Texas Hatters hat, black, like the one the one Ronnie used to wear in concert, his trademark.
Melody dons the hat and the moment is surreal, beautiful, ironic.
The ghost of her father walks on stage. Whoops and whistles ring out as she smiles brightly . She leads the bidding expertly, and the price climbs steadily. A vintage autographed photo of Gary Rossington, who founded the band with Ronnie. It's ironic, because Gary and Judy, both shareholders in Lynyrd Skynyrd, have recently disputed the funding of concerts and the disbursement of profits from the new, re-formed, Skynyrd band's sales.