90s rocker Matthew Sweet, 60, suffers huge ‘debilitating’ stroke while on tour

’90s alt-rocker Matthew Sweet has suffered a ‘debilitating’ stroke while on tour in Toronto, Canada.

The 60-year-old musician, best known for hit songs Girlfriend and I’ve Been Waiting, now requires weeks of rehabilitation in order to recover from the health scare.

Sweet, who also appeared on the soundtrack for the cult 1996 movie The Craft, needs costly medical care including being flown back to the US from Canada.

To assist with his recovery expenses, his management company have set up a GoFundMe asking fans to donate.

‘Our longtime inspiration and dear friend, suffered a debilitating stroke this past 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 onto a long, uncertain path to recovery.

‘We are asking for financial help in this difficult time from his family, friends, and fans. Without insurance or touring income, Matthew faces an enormous financial burden.

‘The doctors and hospital care in Toronto were instrumental in saving Matthew’s life, but health care is not free for Americans in Canada.

The statement continued: ‘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.

Sweet emerged from the 80’s Athens, Georgia music scene and became a leading figure of the power pop revival in the 90’s (Pictured in 1993)

Sweet also appeared on the soundtrack for the cult 1996 movie 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 that we hope will lead to a full recovery. Needless to say, the costs for all of this treatment will be overwhelming. We anticipate a total close to a quarter of a million dollars.

‘Your thoughts, love, and support will mean the world to him. But please donate financially if you possibly can. Matthew will be forever grateful to you.

Fans were quick to pay tribute and support the star, with some in disbelief that he has been forced to ask for financial help.

‘Un-f***ing-believable that someone like Matthew Sweet is just one medical emergency away from being destitute. I wonder how much money Sony makes from Girlfriend streams?’ one fan wrote on X.

Sweet emerged from the 80’s Athens, Georgia music scene and became a leading figure of the power pop revival in the 90’s with the release of his album Girlfriend in 1991.

The songs Girlfriend and I’ve Been Waiting became fan favorites.

His next two records, Altered Beast (1993) and 100% Fun (1995) included the popular songs, Time Capsule and Sick of Myself.