Scottish DJ and producer JD Twitch, best known as one half of the duo Optimo, has died at the age of 57.
His real name was Keith McIvor, and he had shared in July that he was diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumor. He passed away on Friday at the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, as announced by his musical partner Jonnie Wilkes (also known as JG Wilkes).
Wilkes said, “Over our 28-year partnership, he changed my life in countless ways. Together, we took our work to directions and places few people ever get to experience. I’ll always be grateful for everything he gave me, both as a musical partner and a friend.”
McIvor grew up in Edinburgh in a family with what he called “the most middle-of-the-road, bland music taste you could imagine.” After moving to Glasgow for university in 1986, he became immersed in the club scenes of both cities.
He started DJing electro and EBM (electronic body music) at a club night in Edinburgh, later shifting to house and techno as those styles arrived in the UK during the acid house era. When that night was shut down by police after a fight involving football hooligans, McIvor launched a new event called Pure. With official approval, he made it members-only, saying, “It gave us the chance to start fresh and run a club entirely on our own terms. We moved away from all the Madchester-style music and attracted a completely different crowd.”
Pure became a cornerstone of Scotland’s house and techno scene, but McIvor—who eventually found DJ culture “pretty boring”—started another event in 1997 that reflected his wide-ranging musical tastes. Named after the song “Optimo” by New York band Liquid Liquid (which McIvor later remixed), the weekly Sunday night event at Glasgow’s Sub Club, co-hosted with Jonnie Wilkes, ran until 2010.
McIvor said they weren’t tied to any single music trend—they played everything from electroclash, punk, and new wave to soft rock and dance music, and hosted acts like LCD Soundsystem and TV On the Radio, along with guest DJs. Optimo was ahead of its time in musical openness, becoming recognized as one of the most important events in global dance culture. McIvor and Wilkes continued to DJ around the world under the Optimo name.
As a producer, McIvor was in high demand for remixes, working with artists like Franz Ferdinand, Róisín Murphy, Manic Street Preachers, and Florence + the Machine. (“Discogs says I did 108 remixes, though it was probably a few more,” he noted in 2023.) He also founded the label Optimo Music and its offshoots, like Selva Discos, which focused on Brazilian music. Optimo released well-regarded compilations, such as How to Kill the DJ (Part Two). McIvor also curated the soundtrack for the 2019 film Beats, set in Scotland’s 90s rave scene, and released music under the alias Tomorrow the Rain Will Fall Upwards.
McIvor shared news of his illness in July 2025, saying, “My symptoms weren’t caught right away, and my health declined very quickly over just a few weeks… I’m still processing this and focusing on spending time with the people I love.”
In his tribute, Wilkes added, “I’ll always be grateful for everything he gave me, as a partner in music and a friend. Keith’s intensity and passion for life, music, creativity, and positive change never faded. He was a force. His belief in people and the power of standing together was unshakable. I loved him for that.”
After thanking hospice staff and others, Wilkes said, “Keith left us far too soon. He’s off traveling the space-ways now, but I know his energy lives on in everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I love you forever, Keith.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the passing of JD Twitch formatted as requested
General Information
Q Who was JD Twitch
A He was a highly respected Scottish DJ and producer best known as one half of the legendary Glasgowbased DJ duo Optimo
Q What was his real name
A His real name was Keith McIvor
Q How did JD Twitch die
A The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family or representatives at this time
Q How old was he when he passed away
A He was 57 years old
About His Career and Legacy
Q What was Optimo
A Optimo was a hugely influential DJ duo and club night run by JD Twitch and his partner JG Wilkes It was known for its eclectic genredefying sets that spanned punk disco techno and beyond
Q Why was JD Twitch so important to the music scene
A He was a pioneer who broke musical boundaries He championed underground and obscure music helping to shape the taste of a generation of clubbers and DJs especially in Glasgow and beyond
Q Did he produce his own music
A Yes both as part of Optimo and under his own name He also ran a record label called Optimo Music which released music from various artists
Q Where was his home club
A The iconic Optimo club night was held at Sub Club in Glasgow for over a decade from 1997 to 2010
For Fans and Listeners
Q Ive never heard his music Where should I start
A A great starting point is the mix compilation Optimo Mix CD or searching for Optimo sets on platforms like SoundCloud or Mixcloud to experience their unique style
Q Is there a way to support his legacy or family
A The best way to honor his legacy is to listen to his vast body of work explore the artists he championed and support independent record stores and clubs Any official fundraisers or tributes would likely be announced by his label or family
Q Will there be a public memorial or tribute event
A This has not been announced
