Then you may like Kaki King and/or Stanley Jordan as well. As a multi-decade player I can appreciate the technique and talent on display, I really can. However, the reason you haven't heard of him before, and others of a similar level of musicianship, is something that my Dad once told me: "Audiences don't like it when the music goes over their head." His point was that impressing other musicians is a very limited market - not trying to insult it, just being pragmatic.
I don't know if I totally agree about that. Seeing his live concerts there is plenty of Musicians self love AKA He was a feature artist with Martin Guitars several times and music contest. Also in his concert are a ton of people who don't even know how to play guitar. The melody is strong enough to follow.
That's fine, I just have a bit of instinct about markets and the overlap with technically flamboyant playing. Sure I've seen Tommy Emmanuel a couple times in sold out venues, but he's basically the 1% of that market. Buckethead also sort of fits too. I'm happy for your friend's success for sure, making a living is incredibly difficult in the business and the demands and travel I don't envy at all, so much respect indeed.
