Matthew Sweet halts tour with Hanson following severe stroke
Matthew Sweet, the singer-songwriter, is on the mend following a stroke he experienced while touring with the band Hanson.
The Nebraska-born artist has canceled his extensive nationwide tour, where he was both headlining and supporting his longtime acquaintances, Hanson. This decision came after he suffered a “debilitating” stroke earlier this month, according to his manager, Russell Carter, in a statement to YSL News on Tuesday.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover his recovery expenses, with nearly $128,000 raised as of Wednesday morning.
“He is currently facing a long and challenging road to recovery,” said Carter. “Matthew is known for his intense focus and determination in all his endeavors—whether in music or other creative pursuits. I’m confident that his characteristic resolve will aid him as he works towards regaining his health.”
Earlier in October, the “Girlfriend” singer shared insights with the Des Moines Register, part of the YSL News Network, about his first tour in nearly five years.
“I began touring last spring after taking some time off due to health issues and the pandemic,” Sweet, aged 60, recounted. “By last year, I felt ready to hit the stage again, but everything was fully booked for late 2023, so we aimed for spring 2024.”
The artist behind “100% Fun” mentioned: “It was quite a surprise for us. We were uncertain about how we would feel being away for such a lengthy time.” He added that his upcoming performances this fall were expected to be “pretty intense.”
On its official Instagram account, Sweet’s team shared the news of the tour cancellations, expressing hopes to return to touring next year.