Latest news with #KeithMcIvor
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Fundraiser gig announced for Glasgow DJ diagnosed with brain tumour
Glasgow's Queen's Park Arena will host the event on Sunday, July 20, organised in partnership with Optimo Music, to raise funds for Keith McIvor, widely known as JD Twitch, who was diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour. Keith, one half of pioneering DJ duo Optimo (Espacio), has made a lasting impact on the Scottish music community. Read more: Glasgow DJ Keith McIvor reveals brain tumour battle Through Optimo (Espacio), he helped shape generations of DJs, artists, and music lovers. He is well known for his fearless programming, inclusive ethos, and commitment to building community through music. Sunday's event, originally conceived by Keith as a fundraiser for Glasgow NW Foodbank, will now also help support his treatment, care, and family during this difficult time. The fundraiser offers music lovers a chance to come together in solidarity, celebrating his life, work, and legacy. Chet Capkiner, director of Inhouse CIC at Queen's Park Arena, said: "Optimo has been our spiritual home for so many of us for decades. "Keith's presence and influence changed many lives – including mine. "This is a chance for us to return that care and energy, and to support him and his family when it matters most. "A true musical mentor and inspiration to us all." A Crowdfunder set up following widespread support from friends, fans, and collaborators has already exceeded its initial target. The fundraiser is still open, as the full extent of care costs is not yet known, and can be accessed here: In line with Keith and his family's wishes, the portion of the proceeds originally intended for the food bank will still be donated. Any excess funds will be divided equally between four causes important to Keith: Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brains Trust, and Taki's Shelter in Crete. Supporters can also read a statement from Mr McIvor about his health and leave messages for him at Read more: New tournament invites Glasgow footballers to raise funds for good cause Sunday's line-up includes artists closely connected to Keith and the Optimo community. Performing will be Isa Gordon, Tony Morris, Semispecific Ensemble, and GK Machine, who will be stepping in to DJ with Keith's endorsement. The event is family-friendly, though under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
The National
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Fundraiser gig for Optimo DJ Keith McIvor to take place this weekend
Keith McIvor, also known as JD Twitch – one half of the Glasgow duo Optimo – announced his diagnosis last week, saying that he will be prioritising spending time with his family. Writing on Instagram, he 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. Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo '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.' READ MORE: Trump Organisation hold talks to discuss Open returning to Turnberry A crowdfunder to raise money for McIvor's ongoing care and access to therapies to manage and ease his symptoms was launched by his family. It has surpassed its initial target of £50,000 since it was launched, raising more than £87,500 at the time of writing. His family said the fundraiser would continue to stay open amid the "uncertainty" around the full extent of care costs. Any excess funds from the fundraiser will be shared equally between four causes: Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brains Trust and Taki's Shelter in Crete. And on Wednesday, it was announced that a special live music event will take place this weekend at Queen's Park Arena to raise further funds. The event, taking place in collaboration with Optimo Music, will take place on Sunday and will feature sets from Tony Morris, Semispecific Ensemble and GK Machine. Originally planned by McIvor himself as a fundraiser for Glasgow NW Foodbank, the event will now also support his ongoing treatment and care. The portion of proceeds initially intended for the foodbank will still be donated as planned. Tickets begin at £0.50 and are available via the Skiddle website. There are also ticket options with a £5 or £10 donation included. READ MORE: Dress worn by Outlander character goes on display in Scottish filming location Commenting, Chet Capkiner, director of inhouse CIC at Queens Park Arena, said: "Optimo has been our spiritual home for so many of us for decades. Keith's presence and influence changed many lives – including mine. "This is a chance for us to return that care and energy, and to support him and his family when it matters most. A true musical mentor and inspiration to us all." Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo (Image: Matthew Arthur Williams) Along with Jonnie Wilkes, McIvor ran Optimo Espacio, regarded as one of the city's most loved club nights, for 13 years between 1997 and 2010 at the legendary Sub Club venue. Originally from Edinburgh, he moved to Glasgow to attend university, and began to DJ at the same time. McIvor's Optimo club nights went on to establish a reputation for its eclectic music and became one of Scotland's most popular club nights. 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.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Legendary Scots DJ in race against time after devastating brain tumour diagnosis
Keith McIvor, best known to fans as JD Twitch, recently revealed a terminal glioblastoma diagnosis, prompting a heartfelt fundraising appeal for his urgent care. A Scots DJ behind one of the Glasgow's most iconic club nights is facing the fight of his life after being diagnosed with an 'extremely serious' brain tumour. Keith McIvor – best known to fans as JD Twitch – is one half of the pioneering duo behind Optimo (Espacio), a staple of Glasgow's club scene for over two decades. He recently revealed to supporters that he has been diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, a fast-progressing and incurable form of brain cancer. A fundraiser has now been launched to help cover the 56-year-old's urgent care needs as the disease begins to take its toll on his speech, mobility and independence. Keith's family say he now needs round-the-clock nursing care and has been moved into a private residential facility to ensure his safety and dignity, reports GlasgowLive. "This gives him a safe, supportive environment while we continue to explore the best long-term setting for his care," the crowdfunder states. In a heartfelt update on his condition, friends and family wrote: "While Keith's condition is extremely serious and likely to progress quickly, he's not currently in pain, can communicate well with patience, and is still present as the Keith we know and love. "He can now connect to those most important to him in a better environment – with a determined group of friends and family around him, ready to do whatever we can to help him with what he wants and needs. "This new living environment is unlikely to be necessary for a long time, but obviously we can't know exactly how long it will be at this stage. "We still hope that Keith can look forward to many happy days ahead, in comfort and with his loved ones, to live out the remainder of his life in dignity and conscious of all the support and good vibes flowing toward him for as long as possible. "Navigating this situation has been incredibly hard for Keith's family — especially his wife, who lives with serious long-term health issues that affect the care she's able to provide. "We've held off to examine all options, but now believe this crowdfunder is the best way to channel people's goodwill in a concrete, transparent way and show them they can make a direct impact. "It's also the easiest route for us to keep everyone regularly updated about Keith's progress, as we focus our energies on doing the best for him that we can in the remaining time that he has left." 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'. The online fundraiser has already raised over £54,000. Donations will go toward paying for Keith's residential care, as well as vital physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, counselling and accessible transport. Organisers say access to many of these services through the NHS or charities is 'limited.' The crowdfunder adds: "Keith thanks you for all of your kind words and support, and we'll continue to strive to do the very best for him at every stage, as he moves forward in his journey." You can support the appeal for Keith, here.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Fundraiser for Gasgow DJ Keith McIvor after diagnosis
Keith, one half of the pioneering DJ duo Optimo, was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma—an aggressive, inoperable and untreatable form of brain cancer. His condition has rapidly progressed, affecting his speech, mobility, and independence, and he now requires 24-hour nursing care. READ MORE: Glasgow DJ Keith McIvor has reveals brain tumour battle The fundraiser was created in response to a wave of messages from friends, fans and supporters worldwide, many of whom have asked how they can help. While Keith's family and close friends emphasise they expect nothing, the campaign is offering a way for supporters to make a direct impact in his final weeks. The organisers explain: 'We've held off to explore every option. "But now believe this crowdfunder is the most concrete and transparent way to channel people's goodwill.' The fundraiser has so far surpassed the halfway mark of their goal with a current total of £26,738. The family made the difficult decision to move Keith into a private residential nursing facility. This environment currently offers him the best quality of life, with full support from his GP. While still able to communicate with patience and support, and not in pain, Keith is now extremely vulnerable, unable to walk unaided and dependent on others for his safety and care. READ MORE: Still Game icon spotted at TRNSMT – and was buzzing to see this one huge act Efforts are still being made to explore alternative accommodation with a full care package, but organisers say that establishing this in time has been stressful, complex, and logistically challenging. The fundraiser's initial goal is to support 8 to 12 weeks of respite care. Immediate funding will go towards: Private nursing care, where Keith is currently being looked after. Physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and counselling; Accessible transport, equipment, and other palliative care essentials. If funds allow, future support may include: Setting up accessible private accommodation; Securing a long-term full private care package; Exploring non-NHS treatment options, should any viable therapies emerge. Organisers also stress that 20% income tax and platform fees apply to all donations, as this is a personal fundraiser rather than a registered charity campaign. The crowdfunder highlights the emotional and practical toll on Keith's family, especially his wife, who lives with her own serious long-term health conditions and has cancelled major surgery to remain by his side. The campaign states: 'Navigating this situation has been incredibly hard. 'We know we're fortunate to even have private care as an option and realise this is a very privileged position to be in. "We're painfully aware that access to safe, appropriate end-of-life care is often out of reach for so many families — and we believe this is a failing of the system, not of those needing care.' READ MORE: Nearly 10 roads to close for 'extra special' event taking place in Glasgow Keith McIvor is best known for helping shape Glasgow's electronic music scene over two decades through Optimo and their legendary Sub Club night. Known for his fearless musical experimentation and community-driven ethos, Keith remains a beloved figure in the global music scene. If more money is raised than needed, the remaining balance will be donated equally to causes close to Keith's heart: Glasgow NW Foodbank Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) Brains Trust Taki's Shelter, an animal rescue organisation in Crete The crowdfunding concluded: 'We still hope that Keith can look forward to many happy days ahead. 'In comfort and with his loved ones — to live out the remainder of his life in dignity, surrounded by support and good vibes flowing toward him.' The fundraising page can be found here.
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
JD Twitch of Scottish DJ duo Optimo diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour
JD Twitch, one half of the celebrated Scottish DJ and production duo Optimo, has been diagnosed with a brain tumour which he has been told is untreatable. The musician, real name Keith McIvor, announced the news in a post on Instagram. He said: 'My symptoms weren't immediately diagnosed, and my health declined very rapidly 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 the clearest and kindest way to let you know what's happening.' McIvor had cancelled several recent gigs as he underwent testing. He added: 'I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love.' Optimo, with McIvor alongside Jonnie Wilkes (AKA JG Wilkes), are icons of Scottish and indeed British dance music culture, with their punkish and passionate attitude to DJing resulting in sets of astonishing power. Hopping from techno to disco, industrial to soft rock, their sets cover huge stylistic ground, and their weekly Optimo Espacio residency at Glasgow's Sub Club between 1997 and 2010 became a pilgrimage for global dance fans. The pair are musicians in their own right, creating ambitious remixes for artists including Florence + the Machine and Manic Street Preachers; McIvor also remixed the likes of Primal Scream, Hot Chip and Nightmares on Wax. Optimo also created acclaimed DJ mix albums such as How to Kill the DJ (Part 2), Optimo Present Psyche Out and an entry in the mix series by London nightclub Fabric. They also founded a label, Optimo Music, which spawned various spinoff labels. McIvor posted a link to a messageboard for fans to share messages of support.
