Use of alcohol and other drugs Since overcoming his own addiction to alcohol in the mid-1980s, Cooper has continued to help and counsel other rock musicians with addiction problems. "I've made myself very available to friends of mine – they're people who would call me late at night and say, 'Between you and me, I've got a problem.'" In 1986, thrash metal band Megadeth opened for Cooper on his US Constrictor tour. After noticing how Megadeth's band members abused alcohol and other drugs, Cooper personally approached the band to try to help them get clean. He has stayed close to lead vocalist Dave Mustaine, who considers Cooper to be his "godfather". In recognition of the work he has done in helping other addicts in the recovery process, Cooper received in 2008 the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award at the fourth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert in Los Angeles.
Use of alcohol and other drugs Since overcoming his own addiction to alcohol in the mid-1980s Cooper has continued to help and counsel other rock musicians with addiction problems "I've made myself very available to friends of mine – they're people who would call me late at night and say 'Between you and me I've got a problem'" In 1986 thrash metal band Megadeth opened for Cooper on his US Constrictor tour After noticing how Megadeth's band members abused alcohol and other drugs Cooper personally approached the band to try to help them get clean He has stayed close to lead vocalist Dave Mustaine who considers Cooper to be his "godfather" In recognition of the work he has done in helping other addicts in the recovery process Cooper received in 2008 the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award at the fourth annual MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert in Los Angeles