ONE half of the legendary Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour.
Keith McIvor, aka JD Twitch, posted the news of his diagnosis on social media after he had "received lots of enquiries" about his health after he missed gigs over the last several weeks.
On Thursday, he shared details of his diagnosis, saying he will be prioritising spending time with his family.
“Over the past few weeks I have received lots of enquiries about my health having missed several gigs since being admitted to the hospital”, he wrote in an Instagram post.
“Following extensive tests I’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumour and I have been told my condition is untreatable. As you can imagine, I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love.
“I know this may be difficult news to receive through social media, and I’m sorry if it feels sudden or impersonal.”
McIvor added that his symptoms weren’t immediately diagnosed, and that his health had declined “very quickly” over the course of just a few weeks.
“Because of how rapidly everything progressed, I haven’t been able to share this news personally with everyone I care about, so this feels like the clearest and kindest way to let you know what’s happening,” he wrote.
“I truly appreciate everyone’s love and concern, it means the world to me.”
Along with Jonnie Wilkes, McIvor, ran Optimo Espacio, regarded as one of the city's most loved club nights, for 13 years between 1997 and 2010 at the legendary Sub Club venue.
Originally from Edinburgh, he moved to Glasgow to attend university, and began to DJ at the same time.
McIvor's Optimo club nights went on to establish a reputation for its eclectic music and became one of Scotland’s most popular club nights.
The duo continued to DJ, playing festivals and gigs around the world, but McIvor’s condition meant that he was unable to play at Optimo’s recent shows, including their own festival, Watching Trees.
“I want to say also that Watching Trees festival holds a very special place in my heart,” he wrote.
Wilkes also shared a statement regarding McIvor's diagnosis, where he said they were connected in a way only "he and I can understand".
“It’s too painful to put into words what I really feel,” he wrote.
“I don’t know if I even have the words. Keith and I have been through so much together in our 28-year partnership.
“We’re connected in a way that perhaps only he and I can understand. I do know however, that if you ever heard us play together then you will have realised how deep that connection is.”
