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Optimo DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour

Optimo DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour

BBC News2 days ago
One half of legendary Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo has revealed he has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour.Keith McIvor, aka JD Twitch, posted news of the diagnosis on social media.Along with Jonnie Wilkes he ran Optimo Espacio - one of the city's most loved club nights - for 13 years between 1997 and 2010 at the Sub Club venue.McIvor said it had been an honour to make a living doing something he loved.
He wrote: "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."
The DJ added the diagnosis had progressed rapidly, and his health had worsened very quickly.He said he truly appreciated "everyone's love and concern, it means the world to me" and that he trusted Wilkes would continue making music under the Optimo name.He wrote: "Jonnie and I have been lucky enough to play our music at countless clubs and festivals throughout the world and it has been one of the greatest honours of my life to make a career out of something I love. "We have connected with so many beautiful souls through our shared passion for music."
Wilkes to continue Optimo Espacio
McIvor was originally from Edinburgh but moved to Glasgow to attend university, which was when he began to DJ.In Edinburgh he established famed night Pure in the 1990s, before setting up Optimo in 1997 with his friend Wilkes, who uses the name JD Wilkes when performing. The night was known for its eclectic music and proved hugely popular, while the pair continued to tour and release music after the club night concluded. Wilkes wrote on social media it was "painful to put into words" how he felt.He said: "Keith and I have been through so much together in our 28-year partnership. We are 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. "I love you Keith. You inspired me like nobody else could and I'm so proud of what we've done together."I will continue Optimo (Espacio) with you always in my heart. The music will speak for both of us. Your anarchic spirit and your ferocious energy is all around me."
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