Guinness Crowns Canberra Town Crier as the World's Loudest Person at 122.4 Decibels

Joseph McGrail-Bateup, an Australian professional air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier, now holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest shout, reaching an astonishing 122.4 decibels. The 58-year-old Canberra resident's record-breaking yell of "now" surpassed the previous record of 121.7 decibels set in 1994. This level of sound is comparable to a chainsaw or a jet aircraft at close range.

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There’s no way that you can actually practice for it. You have to just keep it for the day, especially with the world record attempt.

McGrail-Bateup described the record attempt as something that cannot be trained for, requiring the effort to be saved for the specific moment. He revealed it took seven attempts to achieve the single word "now," and his voice was significantly affected for days afterward. Despite the physical toll, he expressed enjoyment in the process, calling it "a lot of fun."

He humorously distinguished his achievement by calling himself the "loudest man" rather than the "loudest person," respecting the existing record for the loudest woman. McGrail-Bateup discovered the loudest woman record while searching for town crier feats. His competitive spirit in loudness emerged after he was appointed Canberra's official town crier in 2017, an honorary role where he makes announcements at community events. He is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers, which he joined for "a bit of fun."

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It took me seven attempts just for one word, which was the word ‘now,’ and my voice was shot for the next couple of days as well. It was husky. It was terrible. So no, you can’t really practice for it. But it’s a lot of fun when you’re doing it.

His record shout was captured on May 2 in a Canberra radio studio with professional equipment and witnesses. The data was then submitted to Guinness World Records for verification. This is not McGrail-Bateup's first world record; in 2019, he set a speed archery record, though it was later broken by a younger competitor. He stated he has no interest in reclaiming the archery record or defending his shouting title, indicating a focus on enjoying his current achievements.

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I’m pleased that she (Flanagan) gets to keep her record. So she’s still the loudest woman in the world and I’m the loudest male in the world.