Singer Matthew Sweet Cancels Shows After Suffering Stroke While on Tour With Hanson

Philadelphia PA: Matthew Sweet playing guitar in 1992
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Singer Matthew Sweet had been on tour with fellow ’90s musicians Hanson until he suffered from a stroke. The 60-year-old, best known for songs such as “I’ve Been Waiting,” “Sick of Myself” and “Girlfriend,” reportedly had a “debilitating stroke” while in Toronto last weekend.

His manager Russell Carter said, “Last week, Matthew Sweet was forced to cancel an extensive cross-country tour of both headline dates and opening slots for longtime friends Hanson after suffering a debilitating stroke in Toronto late Saturday evening (Oct. 12). 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.”

He continued, “He is now on a long, difficult road to recovery. All of us who know and love Matthew have hope for a speedy recovery. 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.”

Singer/Songwriter Matthew Sweet performs at City Winery Nashville on July 28, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee

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Since most of his income comes from live touring and he will not be able to perform anytime soon, his team set up a fundraiser on GoFundMe for his medical and living expenses. At the time of posting, almost $150,000 has been raised. Some celebrities donated including Jon Cryer, John Mayer, Ken Jennings and Judd Apatow.

Matthew Sweet performs during The Fox Theatre Presents Revival Hosted By Kevn Kinney at The Fox Theatre on April 25, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia

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Listed organizer Catherine Lyons added, “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, where he will receive around-the-clock care and therapy for six weeks. He will then require months of treatment and rehabilitation that we hope will lead to a full recovery.” Fans who purchased tickets for his show can get refunds from the website they purchased them on.

February 2021
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February 2021

1990s Rom-Coms

Pop some popcorn and cozy up to feel-good movies and TV shows from a generation ago.

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