By Jackie Grant,Jonathan Blackburn
Copyright dailyrecord
Tributes have been paid to a top Scots DJ and producer behind one of Glasgow’s most famous club nights. Keith McIvor, better known as JD Twitch, has died aged 57 just three months after sharing he had been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour . Keith was one half of the duo behind Optimo (Espacio). He was admitted to The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow in early August. On Saturday morning, Optimo co-founder Jonnie Wilkes, aka JG Wilkes, announced Keith’s death. He said: “It’s with immense sadness that I’m writing to tell you Keith passed away peacefully yesterday at 2.06pm at The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow. “In a 28 year partnership he changed my life immeasurably and together we took our work in directions and to places few people are lucky enough to explore.” Glasgow Live reports Keith and Jonnie founded one of Glasgow’s most famous club nights, Optimo Espacio, held at Sub Club on Jamaica Street on Sunday nights from 1997 to 2010. A fundraiser was launched to support Keith’s urgent care needs as he battled the illness, which affected his speech, mobility and independence. Days after his announcement, an event was held at Queen’s Park Arena to help raise funds for the musician and for local food banks. A host of artists connected to Keith and the wider Optimo community performed, including Isa Gordon, Tony Morris, Semispecific Ensemble, and GK Machine. £147,411 was raised through the fundraiser. Jonnie added: “I am forever grateful for everything he bestowed on me, both as a partner in music and as a friend. Keith’s intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never let up. He was formidable. His belief in people and the idea that standing together, that our collective strength is powerful was unwavering. I loved him for that. “My thoughts are with Keith’s family and friends. Thank you to them and the extended group who have tirelessly supported Keith and each other in the last few months. Thank you to the staff at The Hospice who made this last while as good as it possibly could be. “Keith left us far too soon. He will go now to travel those space-ways but I know his energy remains in every one of us who had the privilege of knowing him. I love you forever Keith.”
