Singer Matthew Sweet suffers major stroke while touring in Toronto

Powerpop Singer Matthew Sweet, who came into prominence in the 1990s with hits like “Girlfriend” and “Sick of Myself," suffered a debilitating stroke while in Toronto, Canada in the early days of a tour.

According to Sweet's manager Russell Carter, he was taken to Toronto Western Hospital on October 12 “where he was put into excellent care and taken out of immediate danger.”

After being stabilized, he was then transferred to a rehab center in Omaha.

His entire tour had to be canceled due to the extensive recovery he faces. Sweet is 60 years old.

Mounting needs

The tour was the only source of income he had, and as an American his health care in Canada is not free. He also needs to return to the U.S. for continuing rehabilitation and treatment.

Sweet's representative with Russell Carter Catherine Lyons started a GoFundMe for him that has raised $329,000 of a $400,000 goal. Sweet did not have health insurance at the time of the stroke, so his care will be expensive.

More than 3,000 fans and supporters have donated to his care so far.

Refunds for the headline shows Sweet could not perform are being offered. He was also opening for Hanson on some of the dates.

His recovery

Carter said he expects Sweet to recover from the stroke even though it was very serious.

“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,” Carter shared.

“I am confident that his signature determination will serve him well as he focuses now on recovery to good health.”

Sweet collaborated with R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe in the 1990s, played with the supergroup The Thorns with Shawn Mullins and Pete Droge, and released cover albums with The Bangles' Susannah Hoffs.

His most recent album, also his 11th solo album “Catspaw,” was released in 2021.