PRS For Music has paid tribute to the organisation's head of legal affairs Frances Lowe, who died on Friday (August 4).
Lowe (pictured) had been away from work for some time due to ill health, but prior to that enjoyed a long career with PRS For Music, firstly when she worked as international counsel in the 1990s before moving to become director general of British Music Rights, the forerunner of UK Music, where she represented the interests of songwriters and music publishers with politicians and regulators in both the UK and Europe.
After taking some time off and studying fine art, she returned to PRS for Music in 2007, firstly as a consultant to work on the setting up of CELAS and then in 2009 as a full time employee in the legal division as head of regulatory and corporate affairs, from where she then subsequently created PRS' own policy and public affairs team.
“It cannot be overstated that the music landscape would not be the same without Frances and the incredible work she undertook throughout her career," said PRS For Music general counsel Debbie Stones. “At PRS For Music, she was instrumental in setting up our first class Policy and Public Affairs team, helping to shape the Collective Rights Management Directive and placing the issue of Transfer of Value squarely on the political map.
“Similarly, in her years as director general of British Music Rights, the forerunner of UK Music, she represented the rights of PRS members with passion and professionalism. Through all these things and more, Frances truly left an indelible mark on the industry and we will all miss her insight, experience and intellect.
“Our thoughts are with her husband, Mike and her family and many friends at this time.”
UK Music chairman Andy Heath said: “Frances was a fantastic stalwart in defending the rights in music that we all treasure.
“She was an outstanding leader of British Music Rights which was the precursor of UK Music and there is no doubt in my mind that, without her, it is very unlikely that the industry would have the opportunity it now has to speak effectively.
“She was kind, clever, imaginative and thoroughly conscientious. She will be greatly missed. Our condolences go to her husband, Mike Orchard, and her family.”
