Latest news with #Espacio
Daily Record
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Legendary Scots DJ shares devastating 'untreatable' brain tumour diagnosis
Keith McIvor, aka acclaimed DJ and producer JD Twitch, is one half of the duo behind the legendary Optimo (Espacio). A top Scots DJ behind one of Glasgow's most famous club nights has revealed he is battling an 'untreatable' brain tumour. Keith McIvor, aka acclaimed DJ and producer JD Twitch, is one half of the legendary Optimo (Espacio). Keith - who usually plays alongside Jonnie Wilkes - had missed gigs over the last several weeks, including the duo's set at Glastonbury, having been admitted to hospital. On Thursday, he shared details of his diagnosis, saying he will be prioritising spending time with his family. In an emotional post to fans on social media, Keith said: "Over the past few weeks I have received lots of enquiries about my health having missed several gigs since being admitted to the hospital. 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." Keith said his symptoms"weren't immediately diagnosed" and his health has declined quickly over just a few weeks. He added that the post on Instagram felt like the "clearest and kindest way" to let people know what was happening. "I truly appreciate everyone's love and concern, it means the world to me," said Keith. "I would really love to hear from you, but it is too difficult for me to reply and process your communications directly. Please respect my privacy and space, and only contact me via the message board we have set up." McIvor launched Optimo (Espacio) with DJ Jonnie, aka 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. Thanking everyone who supported him throughout his journey in music, from the early days of Pure in Edinburgh in the 90s and over the past 28 years of Optimo (Espacio), he confirmed that Jonnie will continue to take Optimo (Espacio) forward. He said: "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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "I want to say also that Watching Trees festival holds a very special place in my heart. It's a project I've loved being part of and curating, and I know the incredible WT crew will continue to help it grow into an even more magical and meaningful experience. I trust Jonnie implicitly to continue Optimo (Espacio). I know he will carry it forward with the same spirit and passion we always shared showing you, as ever, just how much 'we love your ears'." Coming together after first meeting on a bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh some time in the mid 1990s, Keith and Jonnie went on to found arguably the city's most iconic club night - the pair have since travelled all over the globe, headlining countless clubs, festivals and events. In a statement about his long-term friend and collaborator, Jonnie stated he that it was "painful to put into words" how he felt, and 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."
STV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Optimo DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour
JD Twitch, one half of legendary dance duo Optimo, has been diagnosed with an 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Tokyo Weekender
27-06-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Espacio The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu: A Private Onsen Oasis in Hakone
Japan is famous for its dualities; it's a country where kimono-clad youth tap away at smartphones and besuited business professionals bow to roadside shrines. It's also a place where the frenetic energy of major urban centers is juxtaposed with the timeless tranquility of pastoral hot spring escapes, where generations of Japanese have retreated to heal body and mind. Just south of Tokyo, spread across densely forested hills and valleys, lies one of these havens: Hakone. Known for centuries for its healing waters, the area has become a legendary destination for those seeking relaxation deep in nature. Espacio The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu is among those retreats. Established in 2024, it's composed of nine freestanding villas, cradled in a remote river valley that's accessible only by private cable car. Each stands as its own little sanctuary, with exclusive access to the waters of Dogashima, one of Hakone's seven legendary hot spring sources. Each villa features exquisite amenities designed for transcendent comfort, and is adorned with sophisticated expressions of traditional Japanese craftsmanship — including kumiko woodwork, karakami paper and urushi lacquer. Guests also experience peerless omotenashi, the Japanese ethos of hospitality. default Hidden Retreat, Soothing Hot Springs In the folk song 'Hakone Hachiri,' the area's mountains are described as immensely tall, its valleys as unfathomably deep. In centuries past, this rugged terrain was crossed by countless people walking the Tokaido, the most important of the five highways connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to other corners of the country. The Upper Reception of Espacio is along a stretch of this historical route. The building serves as a gateway to the retreat; inside, you can find replicas of samurai armor, which symbolize the casting off of worldly worries, as samurai once shed their protective attire. Fittingly, warriors and common folk alike soaked in these springs to mollify road-weary muscles. From the Upper Reception, you'll descend to one of Hakone's famously deep valleys by cable car, a journey designed to showcase the splendor of Hakone's lush nature. Roughly five minutes after boarding — and 100 meters closer to sea level — you'll step out of the cable car into the Hayakawa River Valley, where a cluster of villas sits alongside the river like an idyllic mountain village. This area is part of Hakone's Miyanoshita Onsen district, and the undiluted, pure spring water that fills the villas' baths comes straight from Dogashima — a rare privilege that provides guests with a particularly special bathing experience. Crafted Comfort, Curated Art Across the four seasons, the Hayakawa River Valley's untamed wilderness envelops Espacio's nine villas. From the murmur of the nearby river and the warbles, chirps and trills of birds to winter's crisp fragrance of frost-touched trees and summer's heady scent of earth and forest, a stay at Espacio places you squarely in the midst of Hakone's rich natural world. Far from interrupting this Edenic environment, Espacio's nine villas rise from the valley floor in perfect harmony with the landscape. Matching the beauty that surrounds each villa is the elegance of each one's ornamentation. All nine are unique in design and decoration, with works from Japanese artists accenting each room. Depending on where they stay, guests may fall asleep beneath intricate wooden renderings of the four protector deities of Hakone — the Kirin, Tortoise, Dragon and Phoenix — or dine next to the creations of an artisan who transforms clay, decorative karakami paper and urushi lacquer into glossy and fluid sculptural works. Silver and gold leaf, kumiko wood joinery, karakami woodblock-printed washi, calligraphy and other Japanese arts and crafts endow the Espacio villas with traditional aesthetics blended with modern flourishes. Each villa is equipped with an artfully designed open-air bath, a refined and elegant indoor bath and a serene plunge pool. Terraces invite you to savor the essence of the valley, while welcoming living areas with generous windows provide quiet comfort and incomparable views. For an extra layer of luxury, choose one of the five villas outfitted with a sauna. Those in need of a barrier-free stay will find contentment and convenience in the well-appointed elegance of the Musubi villa. Personalized Hospitality, Superlative Cuisine Espacio's unwavering attention to detail extends beyond room amenities; guests are able to brighten their stay with a choice of patterned rental yukata and seasonal photograph of Hakone for their room key. Even Espacio's original scents and aroma diff users are imbued with originality and meaning. Meals are crafted under the supervision of the Michelin-starred Kyoto restaurant Tominokoji Yamagishi, embracing the spirit of kaiseki while highlighting the rich, seasonal bounty of Hakone. Sake pairings, selected by renowned sommelier Keita Akaboshi, are served alongside beautifully plated dishes on handcrafted tableware, creating a fully immersive dining experience. All meals are delivered directly to each villa, ensuring both privacy and personalized hospitality. This is a sanctuary for body, mind and spirit — a place of healing in harmony with nature. Even within this luscious landscape of steaming springs and empyrean retreats, Espacio distinguishes itself with its refined service and individualized approach. For an unrivaled experience of bespoke serenity, choose Espacio — and reap a uniquely intimate and restorative escape. More Information Espacio The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu 72 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0404 T: +81 460-87-9200
