Read Peter Souter and Paul Brazier's D&AD tribute to David Abbott
Celebrated ad man and co-founder of AMV, David Abbott, died suddenly at the weekend, provoking a great outpouring of affection from the creative community that he inspired.
D&AD told The Drum within hours that it would pay tribute to Abbott at its annual awards, and it delivered in the form of TBWA/London president Peter Souter and AMV BBDO chief creative officer and chairman, Paul Brazier taking to the stage to discuss their memories of the great man.
The transcript of their tribute can be found below:
PAUL
Good evening. This feels sort of
familiar. Pete and I are used to
standing in front of a room full of
people who really wish they were
looking at David Abbott.
PETE
Eulogies are tricky aren’t they?
You usually have to lie about what
a talented, lovely, human person
the deceased was. And that can be
hard to pull off. (Our advice to
Paul Weiland is to never die.)
PAUL
But with David it’s not hard to
know where to start. It’s hard to
know how to stop.
PETE
David was, of course, the greatest
copywriter of his or any other
generation.
PAUL
But he was also a brilliant
strategist, a consummate account
man, an unmatched presenter, a
wonderful motivational speaker.
PETE
...an inspiring boss, a deft coach,
a wicked wit, a touching friend,
ridiculously handsome and, most of
all, kind to the centre of his
bones. Try following that.
PAUL
We aren’t going to show you a
medley of his work tonight because
obviously you will be familiar with
David’s genius. In fact, when he retired in 1998 he
had no fewer than 287 credits as
a copywriter in the D&AD annuals.
PETE
And lucky you. We’d love to be able
to read his incredible collection
of creativity for the first time.
Go look.
PAUL
There are no words to do justice to
David as a husband, a father, a
mentor and a writer...
PETE
Except these. These words from the
most perfect piece of copy ever
written....
(Switch from shot of David to shot of the Chivas Ad)
PAUL
Because I've known you all my life.
PETE
Because a red Rudge bicycle once
made me the happiest boy on the
street.
PAUL
Because you let me play cricket on
the lawn.
PETE
Because you used to dance in the
kitchen with a tea-towel round your
waist.
PAUL
Because your cheque book was always
busy on my behalf.
PETE
Because our house was always full
of books and laughter.
PAUL
Because of countless Saturday
mornings you gave up to watch a
small boy play rugby.
PETE
Because you never expected too much
of me or let me get away with too
little.
PAUL
Because of all the nights you sat
working at your desk while lay
sleeping in my bed.
PETE
Because you never embarrassed me by
talking about the birds and the
bees.
PAUL
Because I know there's a faded
newspaper clipping in your wallet
about my scholarship.
PETE
Because you always made me polish
the heels of my shoes as brightly
as the toes.
PAUL
Because you've remembered my
birthday 38 times out of 38.
PETE
Because you still hug me when we
meet.
PAUL
Because you still buy my mother's
flowers.
PETE
Because you've more than your fair
share of grey hairs and I know who
helped put them there.
PAUL
Because you're a marvellous
grandfather.
PETE
Because you made my wife feel one
of the family.
PAUL
Because you wanted to go to
McDonalds the last time I bought
you lunch.
PETE
Because you've always been there
when I've needed you.
PAUL
Because you let me make my own
mistakes and never once said "I
told you so".
PETE
Because you still pretend you only
need glasses for reading.
PAUL
Because I don't say thank you as
often as I should.
PETE
Because it's Father's Day.
PAUL
Because if you don't deserve Chivas
Regal, who does?
(We pour two shots of Chivas and raise them to the crowd)
PETE
D&AD. Please raise your glasses.
PAUL
And toast the greatest copywriter
there has even been.
PAUL & PETE
David Abbott.