From an award-winning songwriter, composer, and producer to a rare and life-threatening infection that resulted in the amputation of all the fingers and thumb on his left hand, Mike Stobbie’s story is one you’ll want to share with everyone because it’s touching, inspiring and motivating.

We met Mike in 2023, when he approached the PRS Members’ Fund to get support. Two years later he’s been elected as PRS Writer Council Member and Trustee of the PRS Members’ Fund. But let’s start from the beginning: who is Mike Stobbie?

BIOGRAPHY AND CAREER

Mike grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland in the 1970’s. He started playing piano at the age of 10 and then clarinet where, alongside Annie Lennox on flute, he played in the Aberdeen School’s Orchestra and at 15 he co-founded the progressive rock group PALLAS.

Later on, he moved to London where he became an award-winning composer, producer and keyboardist/programmer. His wide variety of work ranges from rock, classical, Celtic and pop to programming countless West End Shows mainly for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Macintosh. He has worked in the classical field with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and has written extensively for TV, film and advertising – most notably the Aardman Animations double BAFTA Award winning “Timmy Time” which is now shown in 150 countries worldwide.

The title track from his Celtic album, “This Land “(EMI) was adopted as Ireland’s national anthem for the 5 Nations Rugby tribute at Cardiff Arms Park Stadium.

He continues to write Media and Library/Production Music for Audio Network, West One Music, and New Age for Northstar and hypnotist, Paul McKenna and is working on a Disney-esque Musical/film which he wrote.

THE LIFE-THREATENING INFECTION

“I remember not wishing this pain on my enemy.”

Mike’s life changed on the summer of 2022 when he contracted necrotising fasciitis, a rare and life-threatening infection which is also known as a “flesh-eating disease”, and that it led to having all the fingers and thumb on his left hand amputated.

The experience had completely changed his outlook to life. He described the pain as unbearable: “I remember not wishing this pain on my enemy” he said.

Mike was placed in an induced coma and put on life support at the Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel. He spent two and a half months in a coma and has had 60 operations.

THE SUPPORT FROM THE FUND

“Never give up, always follow your dreams.”

The amputation changed both his personal and professional life dramatically. Without his hand, Mike was completely unable to continue his creativity, resume his career or support himself and his family.

He has an upbeat mindset, but it is clear the financial and emotional strain along with the bureaucratic burdens – financial and medical – took their toll.

During 2023 Mike contacted the PRS Members’ Fund to get help. We offered financial support and welfare visits until he got back on his feet.

“Without the PRS Fund I don’t know what I would have done.”

The “near death experience” hasn’t stopped him pursuing his passion. “I’m still here, I’m back up again and I’ve not stopped working” he said.

Mike remains hopeful for the future, saying the near-death experience had given him a new lease of life: “All the things I used to worry about have been kicked out of the window as nothing is as important as life itself. I know everyone has their worries in life, but it is only when you nearly lose it that it all comes into perspective.”

WELCOME TO THE PRS FAMILY

In June 2024 Mike was elected as a PRS Writer Council Member and in January 2025 appointed as a Trustee of PRS Members’ Fund:

“I am so honoured to be appointed as a trustee of the PRS Members’ Fund. Having been a beneficiary after a life changing medical incident I fully realise and appreciate what they can do for you in times of need no matter how great or small. What I can say about being helped by the PRS Members’ Fund is it really makes me feel like the PRS is a big family and we’re all part of it. They’ve got my back; I couldn’t have done it without them. I am so glad I have been given this opportunity to pay it forward to you all.”

Mike’s story highlights his resilience, determination and the challenges he faces. It explores the internal and external obstacles he faced on his journey to success, and the impact of the PRS Members’ Fund support. We are proud to champion great artists like Mike and are committed to continuing to support PRS creatives through advice, services and funding.

Our General Secretary John Logan said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike Stobbie to our board of trustees. He brings a high level of expertise and a shared desire to shape a better future for PRS members.”

You can watch Mike’s full interview from last year here.