Power-pop legend Matthew Sweet suffers a stroke in Toronto [UPDATED]

Matthew Sweet released a bunch of sparking power-pop songs in the 90s with albums like Altered Beast and 100% Fun along with alt-rock hits such as “Girlfriend” and “Sick of Myself.” He’s continued to record and tour since then but was dealt a big blow in Toronto while on tour with Hanson and ahead of a roadtrip with The Jayhawks.

Sweet, who turned 60 earlier this month, fell ill (a “life-threatening episode”) on October 12–the day before a multi-night stand at the Danforth Music Hall–and was admitted to Toronto Western Hospital. He was diagnosed as having suffered a “debilitating” stroke. Everything on his calendar has been removed so he can recover as best he can.

Toronto doctors moved fast and saved his life. Matthew now needs to be flown back to the US on a special airborne ambulance to a specialized rehab centre in Omaha, Nebraska. The flight required that he be accompanied by two nurses and all kinds of medical gear. It’s expected that he’ll need around-the-clock care for at least the next six weeks. That will be followed by months of more rehab. I quote from his management company: “Needless to say, Matthew will not be able to return to performing concerts anytime soon.’

The cost? Probably more than $US250,000 because, you know, America. It’s unknown how much his Canadian hospital stay cost, but I hope as American outside the country he had travel health insurance.

Here’s the post on Facebook.

Here’s the GoFundMe page. Donations are off to a great start.

This post was updated with additional information on October 24.