By Emily Bashforth
Copyright metro
Keith McIvor, also known as JD Twitch, has died at the age of 57 (Picture: Getty)
Keith McIvor, a Scottish DJ who performed as part of the duo Optimo, has died at the age of 57.
The esteemed musician, known as JD Twitch, was previously diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour, which he made public in July.
He died ‘peacefully’ at 2:06pm Friday at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, as confirmed by his fellow DJ Jonnie Wilkes, who is known as JG Wilkes.
Wilkes said in a statement that he was sharing the news with ‘immense sadness’.
‘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,’ Wilkes continued.
‘I am forever grateful for everything he bestowed on me, both as a partner in music and as a friend.
He performed as part of the duo Optimo with Jonnie Wilkes (Picture: Martin Bone/Shutterstock)
‘He was formidable. His belief in people and the idea that, standing together, our collective strength is powerful was unwavering. I loved him for that.’
His loving tribute also sent out condolences to his former partner’s friends and family.
‘Thank you to them and the extended group who have tirelessly supported Keith and each other in the last few months,’ said Wilkes. ‘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 concluded. ‘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.’
Tributes soon flooded the comments of the group’s Instagram, with producer Daniel Avery writing: ‘He was an all-time great. Together you gave countless people endless hours of joy, excitement and togetherness. That’s not to mention the generations of DJs you inspired. Sending all of the love to you, my friend. You will no doubt continue this legacy x’.
Electronic duo Bicep added: ‘We are both utterly heartbroken. The impact Keith and Optimo have had on us is immense, he was a titan of UK music and culture. He was such an incredibly kind, warm, genuine, caring person.Gone far too soon.’
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When sharing the news of his brain tumour following extensive testing, McIvor wrote on social media: ‘As you can imagine, I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love.’
He explained that his condition had progressed rapidly and his health was deteriorating, forcing him to miss several gigs.
McIvor added that the ‘love and concern’ people had shown ‘[meant] the world’, trusting that Wilkes would carry on making music under Optimo’s name.
‘Jonnie and I have been lucky enough to play our music at countless clubs and festivals throughout the world,’ he penned, declaring it ‘one of the greatest honours of my life to make a career out of something I love’.
‘We have connected with so many beautiful souls through our shared passion for music.’
In response, long-time friend and colleague Wilkes said that he and McIvor were ‘connected’ in a way only they could understand.
Optimo have long been celebrated as pioneers of the house and techno scene in Scotland (Picture: Martin Bone/Shutterstock)
Professing his love for him, he added sweetly: ‘You inspired me like nobody else could, and I’m so proud of what we’ve done together.’
‘I will continue Optimo (Espacio) with you always in my heart,’ he vowed. ‘The music will speak for both of us. Your anarchic spirit and your ferocious energy is all around me.’
Days later, a fundraiser was made in McIvor’s honour to support the urgent care he needed as his mobility and independence suffered.
An event was also held at Queen’s Park Arena to raise funds for both McIvor and local food banks. Several artists associated with McIvor became involved, raising over £140,000.
Originally from Edinburgh, McIvor set up the club night Pure in the 90s at Sub Club on Jamaica Street. It became a major event on the house and techno scene until its end in 2010.
McIvor and Wilkes established Optimo in 1997 in Glasgow.
Together, they also ran the influential Optimo Music label up until McIvor’s death, with releases from artists such as Factory Floor, Big Ned, Chris Carter, Divorce, Dollskabeat, and more.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
