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 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.’
Originally from Edinburgh, McIvor set up the club night Pure in the early 90s. It became a major event on the house and techno scene.
He later moved to Glasgow, where he and Wilkes established Optimo in 1997.
