10/08/17: UK Music has paid tribute to music industry leader Frances Lowe.

She had been away from her job as the PRS for Music’s head of legal affairs due to ill health and died on Friday (August 4).

Frances had previously worked as the director general of British Music Rights, the forerunner of UK Music, where she represented the interests of songwriters and music publishers.

Frances worked at the PRS as international counsel in the 1990s before moving to become director general of British Music Rights.

Paying tribute,  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.”