Scottish DJ JD Twitch of esteemed duo Optimo dies aged 57
JD Twitch, one part of Scottish DJ duo Optimo, has passed away at the age of 57.
The celebrated Scottish producer, real name Keith McIvor, revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour. On September 20th, he subsequently passed away in Glasgow’s Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.
The tragic news was announced by his DJ partner, Jonnie Wilkes, aka JG Wilkes. He announced via Instagram, “It’s with immense sadness that I’m writing to tell you Keith passed away peacefully yesterday at 2.06pm.”
He continued, “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. I am forever grateful for everything he bestowed on me, both as a partner in music and as a friend.”
Wilkes then described Keith’s “intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never let up.” He added, “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.”
After sending thoughts to McIvor’s family, and thanking the staff at The Hospice, he wrote, “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.”
McIvor founded one of Glasgow’s most famous club nights, Optimo Espacio, held at Sub Club on Sunday nights from 1997 to 2010, which set a new standard for clubbing.
His legacy continues with the influential Optimo Music label, which the musician ran up until his death. It boasts releases from the likes of Factory Floor, Big Ned, Divorce, Dollskabeat, Chris Carter and Saint Sappho.
Earlier this summer, many Optimo-affiliated artists, such as Isa Gordon and Tony Morris, came together to play at a Glasgow fundraising event, originally planned by McIvor. It raised £147,411 for Glasgow NW Foodbank.
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