Australian Town Crier Joseph McGrail-Bateup Crowned World’s Loudest Person

Australian town crier Joseph McGrail-Bateup crowned world’s loudest person after record-breaking 122.4-decibel shout An Australian air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier has earned a place in the record books after being officially recognized as the world’s loudest person, producing a shout as loud as a chainsaw, an ambulance siren at close range, or even a jet aircraft taking off. Joseph McGrail-Bateup, a 58-year-old resident of Canberra, Australia, achieved a staggering 122.4 decibels by yelling a single word “now”during an officially monitored world-record attempt. The feat was recently confirmed by Guinness World Records, making him the holder of the loudest recorded shout by an individual male.

The record surpassed the previous mark of 121.7 decibels, set in 1994 by Northern Irish schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan, who famously shouted the word “quiet.” McGrail-Bateup has emphasized that Flanagan still retains recognition as the loudest woman, while he considers himself the loudest man. The record attempt took place on 2 May in a Canberra radio studio under professional acoustic supervision. After several tries, McGrail-Bateup settled on the word “now,” which he and his daughter had identified as the most effective choice for producing maximum volume. The effort took a toll on his voice, leaving him hoarse for several days afterward. McGrail-Bateup is no stranger to public speaking. He has served as Canberra’s honorary town crier since 2017, making announcements at community events, school fairs and car shows. Known ceremonially as “Lord Joseph,” he is also a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers, an organization dedicated to preserving the historic role of town criers.His path to becoming the world’s loudest man began through town-crier competitions. In 2024, he won a guild contest with a 98-decibel rendition of the traditional proclamation “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez.” Seeking a new challenge, he searched Guinness World Records for shouting-related categories and decided to pursue the loudest shout title. Despite his newfound distinction, McGrail-Bateup says he would welcome anyone who eventually breaks his record, noting that world records are meant to be surpassed. The achievement marks the second time he has entered the Guinness record books, having previously held an archery speed record in 2019. The accomplishment is particularly remarkable because McGrail-Bateup describes himself as having been a shy and quiet child. He credits theatre training later in life for helping him develop the powerful voice that ultimately earned him global recognition.

• Australian town crier Joseph McGrail-Bateup has been recognized as the world’s loudest person.
• His shout of “now” reached 122.4 decibels.
• The volume is comparable to a chainsaw, ambulance siren, or jet aircraft takeoff.
• He broke the previous record of 121.7 decibels set in 1994 by Annalisa Flanagan.
• The record was verified by Guinness World Records after a professionally monitored attempt in Canberra.
• McGrail-Bateup is Canberra’s honorary town crier and a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers.
• He says he would be happy for someone else to eventually beat his record.