JD Twitch, one half of the legendary Scottish DJ duo Optimo, has died on the age of 57.
The DJ, actual title Keith McIvor, introduced in July that he had been identified with an “untreatable” mind tumour, and on Saturday (September 20), his bandmate Jonnie Wilkes confirmed that he had handed away.
Posting on Instagram, Wilkes mentioned: “It’s with immense disappointment that I’m writing to let you know Keith handed away peacefully yesterday at 2.06pm at The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.”
“In a 28 yr partnership he modified my life immeasurably and collectively we took our work in instructions and to locations few persons are fortunate sufficient to discover. I’m eternally grateful for every little thing he bestowed on me, each as a associate in music and as a pal. Keith’s depth and keenness for all times, for music, for creativity and for optimistic change merely by no means let up. He was formidable. His perception in folks and the concept standing collectively, that our collective power is highly effective was unwavering. I liked him for that.”
“My ideas are with Keith’s household and associates,” Wilkes added. “Thanks to them and the prolonged group who’ve tirelessly supported Keith and one another in the previous few months. Thanks to the employees at The Hospice who made this final whereas pretty much as good because it probably may very well be. Keith left us far too quickly. He’ll go now to journey these space-ways however I do know his power stays in each one in every of us who had the privilege of understanding him. I really like you eternally Keith.”
McIvor grew up in Edinburgh, the place he co-founded the influential members-only membership night time Pure, which established his popularity for genre-fluid programming. He launched Optimo with Wilkes in 1997 at Glasgow’s Sub Membership, making a legendary, boundary-pushing Sunday night time residency that employed a various music coverage.
The duo started touring worldwide and launched the Optimo Music label, which supported and promoted adventurous new voices in music. McIvor additionally produced acclaimed mixes and movie soundtracks that additional highlighted his deep musical information and curiosity.
Gone too quickly. Love you, Keith @JDTwitch pic.twitter.com/9EW3bIOHjF
— Tim Sweeney (@BISradio) September 20, 2025
Hearken to JD Twitch – ULTRAGOTH (Optimo Music Tape 001 – initially launched March 2021) by JD Twitch on #SoundCloudhttps://t.co/DylbGY37EH
For right this moment
Appears apt
Sobriety is a wrestle
When your pals hold dying— Empire Of (band) (@empire_whimsy) September 20, 2025
We’re heartbroken to share that JD Twitch of Optimo (Espacio) has handed away. His immense expertise and keenness for music might be missed. Be part of us in honoring his legacy and studying extra about his affect on the music world on this tribute. Test it out: https://t.co/qrcVRTlYiv (vi…
— We Love Deephouse (@WeLoveDeephouse) September 20, 2025
Amongst these to pay tribute to JD Twitch had been Daniel Avery, who replied on Instagram: “He was an all-time nice. Collectively you gave numerous folks infinite hours of pleasure, pleasure and togetherness. That’s to not point out the generations of DJs you impressed. Sending the entire like to you, my pal. You’ll little doubt proceed this legacy.”
Bicep wrote: “We’re each completely heartbroken. The affect Keith and Optimo have had on us is immense, he was a titan of UK music and tradition. He was such an extremely sort, heat, real, caring individual. Gone far too quickly. We love you Keith. Sending all of the love on this planet to you Jonnie and Keiths household. Enthusiastic about yous day-after-day.”
Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos wrote: “Very unhappy to learn this. What an affect he had on so many lives.”
2ManyDJs additionally despatched their “deepest condolences”, including that “Keith might be sorely missed”, whereas 4 Tet described it as “heartbreaking information” and The Avalanches referred to as JD Twitch “the most effective to ever do it”.
David Holmes mentioned: “Keith was one in every of a form. I really feel very fortunate to have crossed his path. He won’t ever be forgotten. Massive hug Jonnie.”
After McIvor shared the information of his analysis in July, his spouse began a crowdfunder to assist along with his “24-hour nursing care”, whereas a fundraiser occasion was held at Glasgow’s Queens Park Enviornment later that month.
