Optimo’s JD Twitch diagnosed with brain tumour

Keith McIvor, who rose to fame as one half of legendary duo Optimo, shared the sad news on social media this morning.

Date published: 3rd Jul 2025

Legendary Scottish DJ Keith McIvor, better known as JD Twitch, has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumor. McIvor, who holds cult status in the British dance music scene as one half of revered duo Optimo, shared the sad news on Instagram this morning, revealing that his symptoms initially went undiagnosed before his health rapidly declined, stating, “As you can imagine, I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love.”

Born in Edinburgh, McIvor moved to Glasgow for university and established Optimo with his friend Jonnie Wilkes, also known as JG Wilkes, at Sub Club in 1997. The club night ran until 2010 and cemented itself within Scottish nightlife folklore, with Optimo still playing shows and releasing music to this day. 

Wilkes wrote, “It is too painful to put into words what I really feel. Keith and I have been through so much together in our 28 year partnership. We are connected in a way only he and I can understand.” In the same post, Wilkes confirmed his intentions to continue Optimo for McIvor, adding, “The music will speak for the both of us. Your anarchic spirit and your ferocious energy is all around me.”

McIvor has set up a message board where fans can contact him in a more manageable way with the help of his loved ones, which you can visit here. 

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