Optimo DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour
Keith McIvor had missed gigs over the last several weeks, having been admitted to hospital.
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 said his symptoms weren't immediately diagnosed and his health 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.'
McIvor said he would 'love to hear from you', but it is too difficult for him to reply directly. He asked people to respect his privacy and to only make contact through a message board that has been set up.
'This will allow me to receive your messages in a way that feels more manageable, with the help of my loved ones, who are supporting me through this difficult time,' he said.
McIvor launched Optimo (Espacio) with JG Wilkes as a weekly Sunday-night event in Glasgow's Sub Club in 1997.
It went on to build a reputation for its expansive music and became one of Scotland's most popular club nights, before coming to an end in 2010.
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.
'It's a project I've loved being part of and curating, and I know the incredible crew will continue to help it grow into an even more magical and meaningful experience.'
JG Wilkes, who runs Optimo with McIvor, also shared a statement in the post. '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.'
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