Matthew Sweet Suffers Stroke, Receives Outpouring of Support from Fans and fellow Musicians
Popular ’90s songwriter and musician Matthew Sweet is facing a challenging road to recovery after suffering a debilitating stroke during a recent tour stop in Toronto. The news, confirmed by Sweet’s management company Russell Carter Artist Management, has shocked the music community and sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists.
Sweet, best known for his iconic hits “Girlfriend” and “I’ve Been Waiting,” is currently without insurance or touring income.
Russell Carter, Sweet’s manager, shared a statement with NBC News, revealing that Sweet “is now on a long, difficult road to recovery” and will be unable to perform for the foreseeable future.
Financial Challenges and Medical Needs
To help cover the substantial costs associated with Sweet’s medical care and rehabilitation, his management team established a GoFundMe page. Catherine Lyons, who represents Sweet for Russell Carter Artist Management and organized the fundraiser, explained that the high cost of medical care in Canada, while instrumental in saving Sweet’s life, poses a significant financial burden.
Lyons detailed the complex medical needs Sweet faces, including an ambulance transport back to the U.S., followed by six weeks of intensive rehabilitation. She estimates the total cost of his care will be “close to a quarter of a million dollars.”
A Surge in Support
The GoFundMe campaign has resonated deeply with fans and fellow musicians alike. As of Wednesday morning, it had already raised over $150,000 from approximately 2,700 donors. Among the contributors are notable names like director Judd Apatow, musician John Mayer, and R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, demonstrating the widespread love and support for the talented artist.
Carter expressed confidence in Sweet’s determination, stating, “Matthew has always been intensely focused and tenacious in all of his endeavors – not only in his recording career, but in all of his artistic and intellectual pursuits. I am confident that his signature determination will serve him well as he focuses now on recovery to good health.”
Show Cancellations and Previous Struggle la
Following the medical issue, Sweet was forced to cancel over a month of shows with fellow ’90s band Hanson and his own headlining dates, as announced on his Instagram page: