Eric Cruz faced personal challenges with alcohol and romance that contrasted with his career successes. He fell in love with a married friend's wife and retreated from recording for over a year. Cruz made a comeback, performing at a concert in London organized by Pete Townshend. Things improved when he married his love and quit alcohol and drugs. Cruz formed a touring band and recorded two albums that brought greater success and introduced more audiences to reggae music. He continued touring and recording regularly, and gained more prominence from performances that benefited Amnesty International. Cruz eventually admitted his alcoholism and underwent successful treatment.