About 23 | wer23.com

A Legacy of Excellence Together,

now united.

Unparalleled expertise to establish 23 Management and Consultancy—a venture destined to set new benchmarks in the music and entertainment industries. Denis, the mastermind behind musical legacies, and John, the unsung hero of live touring and security, continue to push boundaries, ensuring their legacies inspire and shape the future of music and live entertainment for generations to come. Their combined experience, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence make 23 Management and Consultancy a formidable force in the industry.

360° Talent
Management

Denis Ingoldsby & John Proctor: Architects of Music's Golden Era

In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, certain names transcend mere participation to become true visionaries who shape entire eras. Denis Ingoldsby and John Proctor are two such titans—each leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and live entertainment. Together, they have now established 23 Management and Consultancy, a venture poised to redefine excellence in the industry.

Denis Ingoldsby

The Mastermind Behind Musical Legacies For over two decades, Denis Ingoldsby has been the pulse, the rhythm, and the very heartbeat of musical success. His influence on the industry is nothing short of legendary. As a key figure at Jive Records, Denis's visionary approach transformed raw talent into global sensations. But his impact didn’t stop there. With the creation of FIRST AVENUE, Denis established more than just a management company and record label; he forged a dynasty. Under his expert guidance, icons such as Dina Carroll, The Nightcrawlers, MN8, The Honeyz, and Kelly Le Rock achieved unprecedented heights.

In 1993, Denis unleashed ETERNAL upon the world. Their album "ALWAYS & FOREVER" wasn’t just a release; it was a cultural phenomenon that dominated charts and garnered four Brit nominations. Similarly, Louise’s career flourished under Denis’s guidance, with album sales exceeding 2 million copies.

FIRST AVENUE, under Denis's leadership, became a powerhouse, producing over ONE HUNDRED MILLION albums. His ventures transcended borders; his collaboration with Russian sensation t.A.T.u led to an English album that sold 8 million copies, and he pioneered a groundbreaking publishing venture in Russia, proving that his influence was truly global.

Beyond music production, Denis’s partnership in the WEST END remix collaborations transformed hits like TLC’s 'Creep', Toni Braxton’s 'Breathe Again', and Diana Ross’s 'Chain Reaction' into timeless anthems. His alliances with industry giants—Boyzone, Girls Aloud, Lionel Richie, Timbaland, and even the iconic Mariah Carey—are legendary. Denis’s role in producing the Pussycat Dolls’ global hit "Stickwitu" further cemented his reputation as a master of international success.

At the heart of his empire, Denis’s production team, featuring luminaries like Johnny Douglas, Rhek Lawrence, Harvey Mason, and Damon Elliot, created not just music, but history. His publishing venture, APPLEBY MUSIC, founded in 2004, championed legends like Il Divo, Sergie Galyan, and the Bodyrockers, revolutionizing the industry.

John Proctor

Born in the rugged North East of England, I launched myself into the heart of London at just 18, driven by an unrelenting ambition to dominate the world of security. Under the legendary George Gibbs, Chief Superintendent of the Flying Squad, my meteoric rise in Close Protection was inevitable. My name quickly became synonymous with trust, precision, and unrivalled excellence.

It wasn’t long before my expertise caught the eye of elite operatives and global icons. I was entrusted with the security of legends like George Michael and Alice Cooper. Together with former client Barrie Knight, we forged Proctor & Knight, a powerhouse security consultancy that quickly attracted top-tier clients like Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, and even NATO.

As my reputation soared, industry heavyweights took notice. Steve Jenkins, CEO of Jive Records, personally handpicked me to manage Steps’ record-breaking tours. For the next five years, I mastered the art of tour management, consulting for icons like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, and countless others, solidifying my place at the top of the industry.

My evolution from tour manager to sought-after consultant was seamless. I delivered game-changing strategies for WWE and Bacardi B Bar Live, launching Proctor Consultancy Services. From advising the UN in Afghanistan to providing high-level guidance in Colombia for international businesses and government entities, my global footprint expanded rapidly.

Back in the UK, I re-entered the music scene with tours for Jason Donovan and Peter Andre, and masterminded production for massive festivals like Bestival and RockNess. My strategic direction for the Happy Mondays' reunion cemented a touring structure that stands strong to this day.

During the 2012 Olympics, I orchestrated Team USA’s critical interactions with UK law enforcement, showcasing my leadership on the global stage. That same year, I founded Total Touring Limited, leading live productions for icons like Madness, Tom Jones, and Tears for Fears with an unmatched level of expertise.

Even with a packed schedule, I directed a showstopper at Reading Football Stadium, played a pivotal role in Cher Lloyd’s US breakthrough, and consulted for Nitro Circus on their touring strategy. I also provided top-tier safety and security consultation for Heineken Live.

Returning to tour manage Steps’ highly-anticipated comeback and consulting for Seal’s European tour, I delivered both creative and financial success for all involved. Recognizing my unparalleled security acumen, Live Nation enlisted me to lead the global security strategy for BTS’s world tour, where I designed comprehensive security protocols for the K-POP juggernauts.

With an indelible mark on both security and production, my legacy is cemented as a towering figure in the industry—a name that will resonate through history.

Notable Collaborations and Consultations:

360° Talent Management

Notable Collaborations and Consultations:

360° Talent
Management