Tributes paid after death of Optimo’s JD Twitch, age 57: “His energy remains in every one of us who had the privilege of knowing him”

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Tributes paid after death of Optimo’s JD Twitch, age 57: “His energy remains in every one of us who had the privilege of knowing him”

JD Twitch, one half of the legendary Scottish DJ duo Optimo, has died at the age of 57.

The DJ, real name Keith McIvor, announced in July that he had been diagnosed with an “untreatable” brain tumour, and on Saturday (September 20), his bandmate Jonnie Wilkes confirmed that he had passed away.

Posting on Instagram, Wilkes said: “It’s with immense sadness that I’m writing to tell you Keith passed away peacefully yesterday at 2.06pm at The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.”

“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. Keith’s intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never 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.”

“My thoughts are with Keith’s family and friends,” Wilkes added. “Thank you to them and the extended group who have tirelessly supported Keith and each other in the last few months. 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 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 grew up in Edinburgh, where he co-founded the influential members-only club night Pure, which established his reputation for genre-fluid programming. He launched Optimo with Wilkes in 1997 at Glasgow’s Sub Club, creating a legendary, boundary-pushing Sunday night residency that employed a diverse music policy and ran until 2010.

Named after the 1983 track by Liquid Liquid, Optimo came to be known as one of the most influential club nights in dance culture and hosted shows by the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Cut Copy, Franz Ferdinand, The Rapture, TV On The Radio and Hot Chip.

The duo began touring worldwide and launched the Optimo Music label, which supported and promoted adventurous new voices in music, including Factory Floor, Divorce and Iona Fortune. McIvor also produced acclaimed remixes for artists including Manic Street Preachers, Róisín Murphy and Florence + The Machine, and worked on film soundtracks, including the 2019 rave-themed movie Beats.

Among those to pay tribute to JD Twitch were David Holmes, who wrote: “It was an honour to know this beautiful soul. RIP you wonderful man. We have lost a true great. Yr legacy will live on forever. Sending sincere condolences to Keith’s family and inner family circle.”

Daniel Avery said on Instagram: “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.”

Bicep wrote: “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. We love you Keith. Sending all the love in the world to you Jonnie and Keiths family. Thinking about yous every day.”

Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos wrote: “Very sad to read this. What an impact he had on so many lives.”

2ManyDJs also sent their “deepest condolences”, adding that “Keith will be sorely missed”, while Four Tet described it as “heartbreaking news” and The Avalanches called JD Twitch “the best to ever do it”.

David Holmes said: “Keith was one of a kind. I feel very lucky to have crossed his path. He will never be forgotten. Big hug Jonnie.”

After McIvor shared the news of his diagnosis in July, his wife started a crowdfunder to help with his “24-hour nursing care”, while a fundraiser event was held at Glasgow’s Queens Park Arena later that month.

DJA Records, whose artists and records Optimo supported from as early as 2002, also launched a T-shirt range with the slogan ‘No DJA Without Optimo’ earlier this year to help with McIvor’s care – you can find them here.

“They’ve played our records, hosted our artists, DJ’d our parties, contributed remixes and records to the DFA catalog, hugged us sweatily into the night, and been more than family ever since,” the label wrote. “This shirt is our tiny way of trying to raise money for our friend (every bit of profit will go to Keith’s fund) but it’s also an opportunity for us to show love and respect where it’s so truly deserved, with a truth: No DFA Without Optimo.”

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