slartabartfast
I was recently regaled by/subjected to a concert by Tommy Emmanuel on PBS as part of an old fart oriented pledge break (they are all old fart oriented if you had not already guessed). This guy clearly has much more than a few riffs playing over and over as in the OP, but nonetheless I was underwhelmed. It is not the lack of a ability to manage basic stuff, but the fact that the arrangements were far more designed to highlight his undisputed virtuosity, than to enhance the music. The fact that you can do amazing things with an instrument, does not answer the question of whether you should do amazing things. When showcasing the technique of an undoubtedly accomplished performer becomes dominant over making the best music possible with the technique, the listener, and the music loses. 

I agree that Tommy's shows can seem over the top with flash, but most of those in the audience are amazed at what he does. I've had the pleasure of sitting in a friends living room with Tommy after one of his shows. My wife and I sat in amazement as he and my friend played until the wee hours. I can assure you, he can play in a very tasteful and expressive style as both a soloist and as a supportive player. One of the best nights of my life as a musician watching him up close and relaxed.

Rain,
 
Mega-dittos to everything you said. Unless you are doing Whipping Post, or some such number where the whole point of the song is furious jamming/shredding, then the guitar solo needs to enhance and call attention to the song itself. Inappropriately flashy GTR playing calls attention to the GTR player and not the singer and his song. Are we trying to make music, or just show off?
 
Also, I object to this idea that playing lead guitar is a note playing contest; that is to say that the guy that plays the most notes in time & tune is the best guitarist. To me that is more like organized noise than music. I am more impressed by players that play within the song/composition. Warmth and melody are what please me. I'm thinking Ry Cooder. I actually prefer Jimmy Vaughn's work to Stevie Ray's.
 
And Keith Richards raised rhythm guitar to a very high artistic level. 
 
Yeah, I know exactly what you are saying.
 
Cheers,
 
Bert

Randy wins. 

craigb
Randy wins. 

+1

Just happened to see this vid by Guthrie Govan (who really looks like he needs some sleep..) seems quite apt.
 

I wonder if Gilmour just starts laughing whenever he hears people talk about how fast someone plays...
 
Man, you aren't kidding about Guthrie!  Except for when he talks, he was looking extra-sketchy in that video.  Looking a bit like some meth-head the day after.

jamesg1213
Just happened to see this vid by Guthrie Govan (who really looks like he needs some sleep..) seems quite apt.
 

James,
 
Guthrie has got it right.
 
Cheers,
 
Bert

I'm still watching Guthrie videos. 
 
My last custom guitar has been on hold for some years now.  It's paid for but, between my situations and the luthier moving to a larger, four acre, fixer-upper house AND trying to keep his job which sucks over 12 hours out of every day from him, we've mutually agreed to let the project sit.  Well, he's finally getting some time (and some new tools just arrived) plus I FINALLY have a job that pays well again so he's started working on the guitar again (just got some new "in progress" pictures today!).
 
Then I watch those Guthrie videos and realize that I'll need about 30 more years just to become somewhat proficient... 
 
Oh well!

I've found guitar playing (lead or rhythm) to be more about learning to play the spaces than filling them. The song often determines the width/duration of the space. And certainly helps in the band 'gelling' together rather than competing.

I think a good test for the shred kiddies would be to see how long they can make a SINGLE note say something.