Matthew Sweet Suffers Stroke, Forced to Cancel Tour
Matthew Sweet, the veteran alt-rock singer-songwriter known for his ’90s hits “Girlfriend” and “I’ve Been Waiting,” has suffered a stroke.
His longtime manager, Russell Carter, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone on Tuesday, revealing that Sweet had to cancel his cross-country tour and gigs with other musicians due to the debilitating stroke. The incident occurred in Toronto late Saturday evening on October 12th.
Immediate Medical Attention and Recovery
Sweet was promptly admitted to Toronto Western Hospital, receiving immediate medical attention that stabilized his condition. He was subsequently transferred to a rehabilitation center in his home city of Omaha, where he will undergo extensive therapy.
“Matthew was quickly admitted to Toronto Western Hospital where he was put into excellent care and taken out of immediate danger. Matthew was transferred to a rehabilitation center back home in Omaha today where he will undergo extensive therapy,” read Carter’s statement.
GoFundMe Campaign for Medical Expenses
Sweet’s family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his mounting medical costs. The musician currently lacks insurance and touring income, according to the crowdfunding page.
Catherine Lyons, of Russell Carter Artist Management, who set up the GoFundMe, explained that while initial treatment in Toronto was crucial in saving Sweet’s life, the healthcare costs for Americans in Canada are significant.
Lyons adds that Sweet will require “around-the-clock care and therapy” for the next six weeks followed by months of treatment and rehabilitation.
Impact on Sweet’s Career
Carter’s statement highlighted that Sweet’s primary source of income is live touring, which is now impossible for the foreseeable future.
“Matthew’s primary source of income — like most professional musicians — is live touring,” Carter said. “And he cannot perform for the foreseeable future.”
Previous Health Issues
Earlier this month, Sweet’s Instagram account shared a post announcing the cancellation of upcoming shows due to health issues, forcing him to miss performances with Hanson.
“Due to a medical illness and on doctors advice, Matthew Sweet must cancel all remaining upcoming shows with Hanson, and his own headline dates, from October 10 thru November 16,” read the post.
Optimistic Outlook for Recovery
Despite the challenges, Carter expressed confidence in Sweet’s ability to recover.
“He 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,”
Supporting Matthew Sweet**
To help Matthew Sweet on his road to recovery, consider contributing to his GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-matthew-sweets-stroke-recovery