Optimo DJ JD Twitch dies after being identified with mind tumour

Keith McIvor, one half of Glasgow membership duo Optimo, has died aged 57.

Known by the stage identify JD Twitch, he was identified with an untreatable mind tumour earlier this yr.

In a press release posted on social media his fellow DJ Jonnie Wilkes, referred to as JG Wilkes, mentioned his work associate had died peacefully on the Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow on Friday.

He wrote McIvor’s “intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never let up”.

The duo ran Optimo Espacio, one of Glasgow’s most beloved club nights, on the Sub Club venue for 13 years between 1997 and 2010.

They continued to tour their common model of eclectic music after the membership night time concluded following 650 performances.

Posting on Instagram, Wilkes wrote: “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’m eternally grateful for the whole lot he bestowed on me, each as a associate in music and as a good friend. Keith’s depth and keenness for all times, for music, for creativity and for constructive change merely by no means 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.”

Wilkes additionally thanked followers and associates for his or her assist, and employees on the hospice for his or her care.

He added: “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 really like you eternally Keith.”

McIvor was originally from Edinburgh, where he established the club night Pure in the 1990s.

He moved to Glasgow, where he met Wilkes and started Optimo in 1997.

More than 500 people attended the final night at the city’s Sub Club, with some travelling from as far afield as Belgium, Canada and the United States.

The final song played on Optimo’s last night was Feeling Good by Nina Simone.

Writing on social media after his diagnosis, McIvor said: “Jonnie and I’ve been fortunate sufficient to play our music at numerous golf equipment and festivals all through the world and it has been one of many biggest honours of my life to make a profession out of one thing I really like.

“We have connected with so many beautiful souls through our shared passion for music.”