Latest news with #SubClub
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Famed Edinburgh DJ JD Twitch shares 'untreatable brain tumour' diagnosis
A former Edinburgh resident DJ has shared the devastating news he has been diagnosed with an 'untreatable' brain tumour. Keith McIvor, who is known as DJ and producer JD Twitch, played at the legendary legendary Pure club in Edinburgh in the 1990s. He also helped run a popular club night 'Optimo (espacio) at Sub Club in Glasgow, shared the news with his fans, Glasgow Live reports. READ MORE: Pioneering Edinburgh AIDS hospice that served as 'sanctuary for many' to close READ MORE: Edinburgh and Lothians locals in awe as 'ball of fire' shoots across night sky In a heartbreaking message to his community, Keith: "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." Adding that because his symptoms weren't immediately diagnosed, his health has declined quickly over just a few weeks, and the post felt like the "clearest and kindest way" to let people know what was happening. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "I truly appreciate everyone's love and concern, it means the world to me," Keith added. "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." Keith confirmed that people can post their messages to the board on the website here: adding that it will allow him to receive the messages in a way that feels more manageable, with the help of his loved ones, who are supporting him through this difficult time. 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 his fellow DJ 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. "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. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox In a statement about his long-term friend and collaborator, Johnnie 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." Our thoughts are with Keith and his friends and family at this time.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Optimo DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour
One half of legendary Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo has revealed he has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain McIvor, aka JD Twitch, posted news of the diagnosis on social 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 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 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 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 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 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."
Edinburgh Live
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Famed Edinburgh DJ JD Twitch shares 'untreatable brain tumour' diagnosis
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A former Edinburgh resident DJ has shared the devastating news he has been diagnosed with an 'untreatable' brain tumour. Keith McIvor, who is known as DJ and producer JD Twitch, played at the legendary legendary Pure club in Edinburgh in the 1990s. He also helped run a popular club night 'Optimo (espacio) at Sub Club in Glasgow, shared the news with his fans, Glasgow Live reports. In a heartbreaking message to his community, Keith: "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." Adding that because his symptoms weren't immediately diagnosed, his health has declined quickly over just a few weeks, and the post felt like the "clearest and kindest way" to let people know what was happening. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "I truly appreciate everyone's love and concern, it means the world to me," Keith added. "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." Keith confirmed that people can post their messages to the board on the website here: adding that it will allow him to receive the messages in a way that feels more manageable, with the help of his loved ones, who are supporting him through this difficult time. 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 his fellow DJ 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. "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. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox In a statement about his long-term friend and collaborator, Johnnie 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." Our thoughts are with Keith and his friends and family at this time.
STV News
7 days 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
The Guardian
16-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
I've eaten Subway for decades. Today's offering is a joyless abomination of its former glory
I've been eating Subway sandwiches for a quarter of a century. Mainly out of habit. 2001 Subway was something else: booth seating, ceiling fans with gold trim, leafy green house plants, faux brick and black-and-white New York cityscape wallpaper with a repeating Empire State Building frieze. Ahh. My go-to back then was a foot-long turkey sub on 'hearty Italian' bread, cheddar cheese (there was only cheddar), lettuce, tomato and cranberry sauce with a dusting of salt and pepper. To complete the meal, a choc-chip cookie and a small soft drink from the self-serve post-mix machine with two little stamps for my Sub Club card. Collect eight, you got a free sub. If you've eaten at Subway lately you might be thinking I'm getting confused with some other sandwich place. Sadly no. 2025 Subway is a joyless abomination of its former glory. Let's start with the interior. Today's Subways have embraced the modern bland: grey, white and beige with a feature wall in vomit green. The booths that haven't been heritage-listed are long gone, replaced with coloured seating cubes with no backs – I assume designed to make you leave. But what about the menu? Well, the subs are now almost as expensive as the nuclear ones. Hearty Italian bread went about 2002, the same year Subway stopped stocking cranberry sauce. I was outraged. My complaints to head office were numerous and ineffective. A couple of times I brought my own jar to the Subway enclave at my local BP service station. Management didn't mind but they weren't so keen on the knife. About 2018 Subway did briefly reintroduce cranberry 'relish'. It wasn't the same. Much drier. Back in the day the cranberry sauce would be in a big plastic squeeze bottle with the other sauces. You hoped you were served by a competent sandwich artist who knew to bang the bottle against the garbage slot in the counter first to get the water out. If they didn't you got a soaking wet sandwich. My dad's dad used to run pubs back in the 60s. 'Ice is the cheapest thing you can put in a glass,' he'd say. So I find it bizarre that Subway made the choice about 2020 to replace the post-mix machines with fridges supplying soft drink in plastic bottles. At least Hungry Jack's just moved drink machines behind the counter. But if you want ice at Subway, forget it. Remember the joy of licking a stamp and sticking it to your cardboard Sub Club card? Or better yet, finding a discarded stamp in the street and getting that free sub sooner than expected! Today Subway offers a plastic 'Subcard' with a QR code. The person serving you never asks if you've got one and rarely seems to know when you should scan it. The credit points expire, too. But it's not all bad. Subway introduced toasting ovens in 2005 so you have the choice of a 'toasted' or 'fresh' sub, which does somewhat imply toasted is the opposite of fresh. A tip for employees: if someone orders a classic chicken toasted, you still have to put the fillet in the microwave. Just toasting the bread with the chicken on top leaves the meaty interior the same temperature as the fridge. Modern Subway does offer more cheeses: cheddar, swiss or 'old English' (the orange one). And just this year Anzac biscuits made a welcome return. Subway had abandoned them in 2008 after the Department of Veterans' Affairs noticed it was calling them Anzac 'cookies' and not using the 'official' ingredients. This is why Australia has a Department of Veterans' Affairs. As far as fast-food napkins go, Subway has always had the best. If you reach into any of my jacket pockets you'll always find at least one Subway napkin from a lunchtime past. But Subway has stopped printing its logo on them so now the napkins are just plain white. What other fun features will Subway gradually strip away from its dining experience over the next 25 years? I'll let you know. David M Green is a comedian who reviews video tapes on the web series VHS Revue. He also wrote for Mad as Hell on ABC TV. You can follow him on BlueSky, Instagram and Facebook
