Optimo’s JD Twitch has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour

Optimo’s JD Twitch has revealed that he has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour.

Sharing the news of his diagnosis today (3rd July) via Instagram, the Scottish DJ and producer — real name Keith McIvor — wrote that he is 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,” he said in the post. “My symptoms weren’t immediately diagnosed, and my health declined very quickly over 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 thanked everyone who has supported him throughout his journey in music, from his “early days” DJing at Pure in Edinburgh through the past 28 years of Optimo (Espacio), the party he launched with JG Wilkes in the late 1990s in Glasgow. The club night finished in 2010, but the Optimo moniker continued with the duo making frequent appearances at clubs and festivals.

Wilkes also shared a message in the same post. He said, “It’s too painful to put into words what I really feel. 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.”

McIvor has asked that people who wish to get in touch do so via the Optimo messageboard that has been set up, which you can visit here.

Read the post in full below.