Steve Vai Passion & Warfare Guitar Tee

From 1985 to 1990, Steve Vai was deep in the lab crafting what would become his groundbreaking second solo album: Passion and Warfare. At the same time, he was collaborating with Ibanez to push the limits of guitar design—resulting in the legendary 7-string JEM: the Universe.

But it didn’t stop at seven strings. To take things even further, Ibanez introduced a finish that had never been used on a guitar before: the hydro-dip swirl. The process involved priming the guitar white, then dipping it into water layered with swirling multi-colored paint—creating a truly one-of-a-kind look that defined the era.

Before the Universe hit production, one key design change was made: it wouldn’t include Steve’s signature “monkey grip.” But by that time, the Passion and Warfare album cover photo had already been taken—featuring this prototype that still had the grip. The final image was edited to match the non-grip production model. That makes the original Passion and Warfare guitar one of the few Universe guitars to ever rock the monkey grip.

Appearing in the video for “The Audience Is Listening,” a young Thomas McRocklin shredded alongside Vai himself. After filming, Steve gifted the Passion and Warfare guitar to Thomas, and it remains in his collection to this day.

Grab your Passion and Warfare Universe guitar tee from Guitar Nut Tees today—worldwide shipping available!

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