Scotland’s music scene has been shaken by the news that Keith McIver, a co-founder of the highly influential dance duo Optimo (Espacio), has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. 

Since news broke two weeks ago, an outpouring of support has flowed from many musicians and fans, and a variety of fundraising initiatives have been launched to pay for McIver’s treatment and care. 

Taking place this Sunday 20 July will be a special live music event at Glasgow’s Queens Park Arena, with money being used to raise vital funds for McIvor. Performing will be genre-defying Isa Gordon, cult one-man electronic band Tony Morris, the boundary-pushing Semispecific Ensemble, and revered selector GK Machine, who will be DJing with Keith’s full endorsement.

Originally intended to raise funds for Glasgow NW Foodbank before news of McIvor’s condition broke, the portion of proceeds initially intended for the foodbank will still be donated as planned to honour the DJ and club night organiser’s long-standing commitment to community causes.

Chet Capkiner, director of inhouse CIC at Queens Park Arena, said: ‘Optimo has been a 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.’ 

McIvor’s family have also set up a crowdfunding page as the primary way to raise funds for his continued access to care and therapies. A statement for the crowdfunder reads, ‘Keith now requires 24-hour nursing care. His condition has affected his speech, his mobility and his independence. While he’s managed to take a few supported steps, he’s extremely vulnerable and needs constant assistance to do so safely.’ 

‘We've held off to examine all options,’ it continues, ‘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.’ 

Read the full statement and donate to the crowdfunder here. Any excess funds raised will be shared equally between four causes close to McIvor: Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition For Racial Equality And Rights, Brains Trust, and Taki’s Shelter in Crete.

McIvor himself discussed the tumour in a statement on his site. Read it in full below: 

‘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. My symptoms weren’t immediately diagnosed, and my health declined very quickly 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 like the clearest and kindest way to let you know what’s happening.

‘I truly appreciate everyone’s love and concern, it means the world to me. 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. 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.

‘Love Keith.’

McIvor, now in his fifties, began DJing in the early 1990s while a student in Glasgow. He established his reputation with the club night Pure in Edinburgh, before running Optimo (Espacio) with friend Jonnie Wilkes from 1997 until 2010 at Sub Club. 

The popular dance night toured regularly and the pair continued to release music long after the night closed its doors. 

Wilkes wrote on social media, '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.’

Optimo Music Presents: A Fundraiser For Keith McIvor (JD Twitch), Queen’s Park Arena, Glasgow, Sunday 20 July; main picture: Marissa Costello.