Getty ImagesKeith McIvor, one half of Glasgow club duo Optimo, has died aged 57.
Known by the stage name JD Twitch, he was diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour earlier this year.
In a statement posted on social media his fellow DJ Jonnie Wilkes, known as JG Wilkes, said his work partner had died peacefully at the Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow on Friday.
He wrote McIvor’s “intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never let up”.
The duo ran Optimo Espacio, one of Glasgow’s most beloved club nights, at the Sub Club venue for 13 years between 1997 and 2010.
They continued to tour their popular brand of eclectic music after the club night concluded following 650 performances.
Posting on Instagram, Wilkes wrote: “In a 28-year partnership, he changed my life immeasurably and together we took our work in directions and to places few people are lucky enough to explore.
“I am forever grateful for everything he bestowed on me, both as a partner in music and as a friend. Keith’s intensity and passion for life, for music, for creativity and for positive change simply never let up.
“He was formidable. His belief in people and the idea that standing together, that our collective strength is powerful was unwavering. I loved him for that.”
Wilkes also thanked fans and friends for their support, and staff at the hospice for their care.
He added: “He will go now to travel those space-ways but I know his energy remains in every one of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
“I love you forever Keith.”
McIvor was originally from Edinburgh, where he established the club night Pure in the 1990s.
He moved to Glasgow, where he met Wilkes and started Optimo in 1997.
More than 500 people attended the final night at the city’s Sub Club, with some travelling from as far afield as Belgium, Canada and the United States.
The final song played on Optimo’s last night was Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
Writing on social media after his diagnosis, McIvor 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.”