’90s alternative rocker Matthew Sweet suffered a “debilitating” stroke while on tour in Toronto, Canada.
The 60-year-old musician, best known for his hits Girlfriend and I’ve Been Waiting, now needs weeks of rehabilitation to recover from the health problem.
Sweet, who also appeared on the soundtrack of the 1996 cult film The Craft, requires expensive medical care, including being flown back to the United States from Canada.
To help you with your recovery costs, your management company has created a GoFundMe asking fans to donate.
’90s rocker Matthew Sweet suffers huge ‘debilitating’ stroke while on tour
“Our lifelong inspiration and dear friend suffered a debilitating stroke last week in Toronto while in the early days of a national tour,” a statement read.
“He has been unexpectedly and tragically forced off the road and on a long, uncertain road to recovery.
‘We are asking for financial help at this difficult time from his family, friends and fans. With no insurance or touring income, Matthew faces a huge financial burden.
‘Toronto’s doctors and hospital care were instrumental in saving Matthew’s life, but healthcare is not free for Americans in Canada.
The statement continues: “He must now be flown back to the United States by ambulance transport plane with medical personnel on board, to a specialized rehabilitation center, where he will receive 24-hour care and therapy for six weeks.
Sweet emerged from the Athens, Georgia music scene of the ’80s and became a leading figure in the power pop revival of the ’90s (pictured in 1993).
Sweet also appeared on the soundtrack of the 1996 cult film The Craft (pictured above in 1995).
Sweet is pictured above in April 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“He will then require months of treatment and rehabilitation which we hope will lead to a full recovery. Needless to say, the costs of all this treatment will be staggering. We anticipate a total close to a quarter of a million dollars.
‘Your thoughts, love and support will mean a lot to him. But please donate financially if possible. Matthew will be eternally grateful to you.
Fans were quick to pay tribute and support the star, with some incredulous that he had been forced to ask for financial help.
“It is incredibly unbelievable that someone like Matthew Sweet is just one medical emergency away from being homeless. I wonder how much money Sony makes from streaming Girlfriend? one fan wrote in X.
Sweet emerged from the Athens, Georgia music scene of the ’80s and became a leading figure in the power pop revival of the ’90s with the release of her album Girlfriend in 1991.
The songs Girlfriend and I’ve Been Waiting became fan favorites.
Their next two albums, Altered Beast (1993) and 100% Fun (1995) included the popular songs Time Capsule and Sick of Myself.
