Here's what I find interesting. You said what you have read are the words of a "gracious" guy who's "a true gentleman". Then there's what we've all heard: he's "arrogant". Hmm..... I wonder if he isn't like me- a perfectionist who doesn't suffer fools or drunk lead singers (hello Ian) gladly.
Nice to see you giving Iommi deserved props. "Lonely is the Word" is one of the most beautiful solos ever. If you lost sight of Sabbath after Dio left, "Eternal Idol" (1987)and "Tyr" (1990) are VERY good- and Iommi had progressed massively from where he was just a few years before.
I have both. Good stuff.
It seemed like they worked hard to get a lead singer (Tony Martin) that had Dios big voice. They did a pretty good job.