Joseph McGrail-Bateup, a professional air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier from Canberra, Australia, has achieved recognition as the world’s loudest man. The Guinness World Records acknowledged him for recording the loudest shout by an individual. His shout of “now” reached 122.4 decibels, surpassing the previous record of 121.7 decibels by Northern Ireland schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan in 1994, who yelled “quiet.” This level of noise is similar to sounds from a chainsaw, a jet taking off, or an ambulance siren at close range.
McGrail-Bateup’s accomplishment did not come with prior training. “There’s no way to practice for such an event,” he explained. “You must preserve your voice for the record attempt.” He made seven attempts to produce the word “now,” which left his voice strained for days. Despite the challenges, he finds the process enjoyable.
He expressed his happiness that Flanagan remains the loudest woman globally, while he holds the title of the loudest man. McGrail-Bateup discovered Flanagan’s record while searching for town crying feats in the Guinness World Records. Appointed as Canberra’s official town crier in 2017, his role is both honorary and part-time. “Lord Joseph,” his town crier name, often makes announcements at community events.
As a member of the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers, he took part in competitions, winning a 2024 contest with a 98-decibel “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez.” While preparing for his world record, he tested various words, finally using “now.” His shout was professionally recorded in a Canberra studio with witnesses. Guinness confirmed his record shortly thereafter.
This is McGrail-Bateup’s second world record. In 2019, he briefly held an archery speed record, shooting 10 arrows in 60.03 seconds, before it was broken by a 7-year-old. He shows no interest in reclaiming any records. “If someone surpasses me, that’s wonderful,” he remarked. “Records are created to be broken.”