The comparison feels just a bit off - like, Malmsteen's popularity rounds to zero, even in the world of 80's shredders aficionados. Gladwell has multiple best-sellers that are popular to general audiences. I think maybe a better comp would be someone like Reb Beach? Player with known technical chops but in a somewhat generally popular band that was not appreciated by guitar-store superheroes . . .
Course, maybe not using an obscure hair-band reference would be better.