{{Short description|American guitarist}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Mark Matejka | image = Hellfest2019LynyrdSkynyrd 03.jpg | landscape = yes | caption = Matejka in 2019 | birth_name = | alias = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1967|01|02}} | birth_place = Houston, Texas, U.S. | death_date = {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} | genre = Southern rock, hard rock, blues rock, country | occupation = Guitarist | years_active = 1990s–present | label = | current_member_of = Lynyrd Skynyrd | past_member_of = Sons of the Desert, Hot Apple Pie }}

'''Vincent Mark''' "'''Sparky'''" '''Matejka''' (born January 2, 1967), is an American rock guitarist. He joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2006, replacing Hughie Thomasson who had left to reform Outlaws.<ref>Jordan, Mark (June 2, 2006) "Rock's survivors play on: Tragedies take toll on Skynyrd but heart of music still beats", ''The Commercial Appeal'', p. G22.</ref> He first played with the band on their ''Christmas Time Again'' album in 2000 and was credited with guitar and vocals.

== Biography == Matejka was born in Houston, Texas on January 2, 1967. He graduated from James E. Taylor High School, in Katy, Texas in 1985.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.classmates.com/yearbooks/James-E-Taylor-High-School/131419?page=60|title=Taylor High School Stampede 1985 Vol. 6 Katy Texas|publisher=James E. Taylor High School Staff and Senior Students|year=1985|location=James E. Taylor High School, 20700 Kingland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77450|pages=50, 56, 57, 73, 218, 251}}</ref>

Attended The University of North Texas College of Music in Denton (North Texas State), achieving and holding first chair in guitar (jazz) for the duration.

Prior to joining Lynyrd Skynyrd, Matejka was a member of Hot Apple Pie, a country music band.<ref>North, Peter (August 4, 2006). "Hot Apple Pie warms to challenge on outdoor saloon's stage", ''Edmonton Journal'', p. A15.</ref> He also played for Charlie Daniels Band<ref>Campell, Dan (June 5, 2006). "Skynyrd plays Wolf Trap: Dedicates 'Red, White, Blue' to military past and present", ''Washington Times'', p. B5.</ref> and Sons of the Desert.<ref>Bream, Jon (June 9, 2006). "Why, it's Lynyrd Skynyrd's Southern rock, infiltrating the country-music scene", ''Star Tribune'', p. F4.</ref>

He played guitar on tour with the Kinleys in 1998.<ref>Boehm, Mike (April 29, 1998). "Twin Engines: The Talented Kinley Sisters Are Prepared for Takeoff: Now They Need to Tap Some Star Power", ''Los Angeles Times'', p. 2.</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{Lynyrd Skynyrd}} {{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Matejka, Mark}} Category:American country guitarists Category:American male guitarists Category:American rock guitarists Category:American lead guitarists Category:Living people Category:Lynyrd Skynyrd members Category:Hot Apple Pie members Category:People from Katy, Texas Category:American people of Czech descent Category:University of North Texas College of Music alumni Category:Guitarists from Texas Category:20th-century American guitarists Category:The Charlie Daniels Band members Category:American blues rock musicians Category:1967 births