Optimo (Espacio) member & Scottish DJ Dies at 57
keith McIvor, one half of teh influential Scottish DJ duo Optimo (Espacio), has died, his partner Jonnie Wilkes announced today. McIvor was 57 years old. The news follows a recent public battle with brain cancer, diagnosed in July 2023.
McIvor rose to prominence in the 1990s with the Edinburgh club night Pure before forming Optimo (Espacio) with Wilkes in 1997 at Glasgow’s Sub Club. The pair became internationally renowned for their expertly curated sets and championed a diverse range of music, hosting acts including LCD Soundsystem, Franz Ferdinand, Cut Copy, The Rapture, TV on the Radio, and Hot Chip during their celebrated Sunday night residency which ran until 2010.
Born in Edinburgh, McIvor and Wilkes, as Optimo (Espacio), toured globally, continued music production, and operated their own record label. In July 2023, McIvor publicly revealed his diagnosis via Instagram, detailing the rapid decline of his health. A subsequent crowdfunding campaign was launched to support his care.
“Keith left us far to soon,” Wilkes wrote in an Instagram post announcing McIvor’s passing.”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 reflected on his career in a July 3rd Instagram post, stating, “Jonnie and I have been lucky enough to play out music at countless clubs and festivals throughout the world, and it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to make a career out of something I love. We have connected with so many gorgeous souls thru our shared passion for music.”
