The electronic music world mourns the loss of Keith McIvor, known to millions as JD Twitch, one half of the legendary Glasgow duo Optimo. At the age of 57, McIvor passed away peacefully at the Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow after a battle with an untreatable brain tumour, a diagnosis received earlier this year. His longtime partner and fellow DJ, Jonnie Wilkes (JG Wilkes), shared the heartbreaking news on social media, celebrating the life and impact of his friend and collaborator.
For over two decades, JD Twitch and JG Wilkes captivated audiences worldwide with their unique brand of eclectic music through Optimo Espacio, a beloved Glasgow club night that ran for 13 years at the iconic Sub Club venue. Starting in 1997, Optimo Espacio became a cornerstone of Glasgow's vibrant nightlife, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts for 650 unforgettable performances. Even after the club night concluded in 2010, the duo continued to tour internationally, sharing their passion for music with a global fanbase.
Wilkes' tribute eloquently captures the essence of McIvor's spirit: "His intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never let up." He described their 28-year partnership as transformative, highlighting their shared journey to places few artists ever reach. The outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and colleagues underscores the profound impact McIvor had on the music community.
McIvor's career began in Edinburgh, where he launched the club night Pure in the 1990s, before moving to Glasgow, where his collaboration with Wilkes gave birth to Optimo. The final night at the Sub Club, attended by over 500 people from across the globe, ended with Nina Simone's "Feeling Good," a fitting tribute to a life lived with passion and purpose. In a poignant social media post following his diagnosis, McIvor himself reflected on the joy of sharing his music with the world, connecting with "so many beautiful souls through our shared passion for music." JD Twitch's legacy extends far beyond the music he created; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and the enduring connection between artists and their audience. He will be deeply missed.
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Originally published at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yjjdv68y7o
