I thought the guy was very likeable.
Some of his jokes and observations rang true
and he seems to have set out his stall to be edgy
rather than hack, which is good, Like Evan, I too thought his pre-show
nerves didn't really show because he looks hard.
(Which should reduce the heckle factor)
I'd say though, just my opinion/advice, at bigger venues
he can't do that 'remember my face' thing
as that was one of Sam Kinnison's trademark
bits and is already out there. Your friend has obviously come to
the same idea as Sam did back in the day which shows he thinks along the same lines as the best, but with a comedy literate audience something like that could sink a rep.
I'm in no place to judge anyone at the moment, but all in all I think
he can count this as a success, and when he writes more anecdotal stuff that relays his opinions/experiences I think he has a good gigging future ahead because his style works as he isn't compromising himself.
Pass on my best wishes to the bloke.