Steve Vai “Flame” Guitar Tee

It’s HOT—literally.

This tee pays tribute to one of the most iconic guitars of the ‘80s: Steve Vai’s custom-built Flame Guitar, seen in David Lee Roth’s “Going Crazy” music video. It wasn’t just a guitar—it was a statement. A symbol of a new era for Vai as he joined DLR’s band and lit the stage on fire.

Enter Joe Despagni—Steve’s lifelong friend and the man behind the Flame Guitar.

“If not for my relationship with Joe Despagni, Steve Vai the guitar player and the Ibanez JEM would most certainly not be as they are known today.” —Steve Vai

Joe was more than a luthier—he was a visionary. From the Flame, to the Lightning Bolt, to the legendary Swiss Cheese Guitar, his builds were wild, loud, and unforgettable—just like his personality. He called them “Jems,” a name Steve would later carry on through his iconic Ibanez signature line.

The Flame Guitar didn’t just burn bright—it made history. It saw stages with David Lee Roth, with Whitesnake, and eventually hung in Guitar Center’s Hollywood RockWalk. It was later discovered that Guitar Center had it listed in their system valued at $50,000.

In 2017, Steve sold the Flame Guitar to help Joe through his battle with a life-threatening illness. Joe Despagni passed away on May 29, 2018.

“Joe was not only an excellent luthier—he was perhaps my very best friend in this life.”

This tee is more than merch—it’s a tribute. To the guitar. To Joe. To the fire of creativity.

Love the guitar? So do we.
Rock the Flame. Honor the legacy.
Ships worldwide.

For detailed photos of the original guitar, check it out on Steve’s official site here.

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