Steve Vai Crossroads Jack Butler Guitar Tee

The Devil went down to… the Crossroads.

In 1986, Steve Vai lit up the screen in the cult-classic film Crossroads, inspired by the legendary tale of Robert Johnson. Cast as Jack Butler, Vai took on the role of the Devil’s own guitar slinger in an unforgettable six-string showdown.

The movie’s epic climax features a fiery guitar duel between Steve Vai and Ralph Macchio (yes, The Karate Kid himself). But it wasn’t just the shredding that left a mark—it was THAT guitar. A custom red sparkle Super Strat, built by Jackson. Only two were made for the film, and it became forever known as the "Jack Butler" guitar.

“I believe the one I used in the movie was a Jackson that I had. Grover Jackson made me a spare because in one scene I had to throw the guitar on the floor and we needed a spare for that. The odd thing is, I can’t remember what happened to either of these guitars. Imagine that?”

One of those original guitars now lives at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi—fitting, since that’s the same Deep South region where the Crossroads legend was born. The other, we believe, was given to Ralph Macchio.

In 2000, Jackson reissued the iconic Jack Butler guitar, immortalizing the moment that inspired a generation of guitarists to start playing.

Don’t have a Jack Butler guitar of your own? Rock the tee instead! Grab the Steve Vai "Jack Butler" Guitar Tee, only from Guitar Nut Tees. Ships worldwide.

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US

Size guide