Fundraiser Initiated Following Matthew Sweet’s Severe Stroke
Matthew Sweet Suffers Major Stroke on Tour: Support from Fans and Friends Floods GoFundMe Campaign
In a heartbreaking turn of events for fans of 90s alt-rock icon Matthew Sweet, the musician recently suffered a debilitating stroke while on tour with Hanson. The news, confirmed by Sweet’s manager, Russell Carter, has sent shockwaves through the music community and elicited an outpouring of support for the singer-songwriter.
Sweet, who was performing in Toronto earlier this month, experienced the medical emergency that led to a swift admission to Toronto Western Hospital. According to Carter’s statement to Entertainment Weekly, “Matthew was quickly put into excellent care and taken out of immediate danger. He’s now on a long, difficult road to recovery, having been transferred to a rehabilitation center back home in Omaha on Tuesday.”
In light of mounting medical expenses, Sweet’s team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the musician’s recovery costs. Organizers have set a daunting target of $400,000, with Catherine Lyons, a member of the Russell Carter Artist Management team, estimating that expenses could reach “close to a quarter of a million dollars.” Lyons noted the logistical challenges faced by American patients abroad, stating, “The doctors and hospital care in Toronto were instrumental in saving Matthew’s life, but health care is not free for Americans in Canada. He must now be flown back to the States on an ambulance transport plane with medical staff on board, to a specialized rehabilitation center.”
As of now, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over $282,000, with contributions pouring in from more than 5,000 donors, including notable figures such as filmmaker Judd Apatow, guitar legend John Mayer, R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, game show host Ken Jennings, Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard, and actor Jon Cryer. The wave of support highlights the profound impact Sweet has had on his peers and fans alike.
Matthew Sweet first burst onto the music scene in the late 80s Atlanta music scene, quickly garnering attention for his infectious melodies and introspective lyrics. His breakout album, Girlfriend, released in 1991, solidified his status as a hallmark of the power-pop genre, featuring hits that are still beloved today, like “Girlfriend” and “Sick of Myself.” Most recently, Sweet released Catspaw, his fifteenth studio album, in 2021, demonstrating his enduring relevance and resilience in an ever-changing musical landscape.
As Matthew embarks on his recovery journey, the music world eagerly anticipates his return, while the GoFundMe serves as a testament to the community’s dedication to supporting one of its cherished members. Whether you’ve been rocking out to his classics or discovering his catalog anew, now is a meaningful time to show appreciation for Sweet’s artistry and humanity. Contributions to the GoFundMe can be made here.
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