Man crowned world’s loudest person makes as much noise as a jet taking off

Joseph McGrail-Bateup Claims Title as World’s Loudest Individual

Man crowned world s loudest person – Joseph McGrail-Bateup, a 58-year-old Canberra resident who holds the unique dual roles of professional air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier, has been officially recognized as the world’s loudest person by Guinness World Records. His record-breaking exclamation of “now” reached an astonishing 122.4 decibels, surpassing the previous benchmark of 121.7 dB set by Northern Ireland’s Annalisa Flanagan in 1994. Flanagan’s record, which involved a piercing “quiet,” was notable for its ability to match the intensity of a chain saw, a jet aircraft taking off, or an ambulance siren at close range.

A Natural Talent for Volume

McGrail-Bateup described the process of setting the new record as both challenging and exhilarating. “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,” he explained. The feat required him to deliver the word “now” with unrelenting force, a task that demanded more than mere vocal power—it tested his endurance and focus. The process took seven attempts to perfect, leaving his voice temporarily strained and his voicebox feeling “shot” for days afterward.

“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,” McGrail-Bateup added.

Despite the physical toll, McGrail-Bateup remains proud of the achievement. He humorously notes that while he may be the “loudest man” in the world, he prefers the title of “loudest person” over “loudest man.” This distinction is meaningful, as there was no prior record for the loudest male voice. “I’m pleased that she gets to keep her record,” he said. “She’s still the loudest woman in the world, and I’m the loudest male in the world.”

From Town Crier to Record Breaker

McGrail-Bateup’s journey to this moment began with a seemingly unrelated role: that of an honorary town crier in Canberra. The position, established by the local government, is a ceremonial and part-time duty that involves making public proclamations at community events. His nickname, Lord Joseph, is a nod to the traditional title of town criers, blending humor with the historical significance of the role. While fulfilling this duty, McGrail-Bateup’s natural inclination toward loudness led him to pursue the record.

He stumbled upon Flanagan’s record while searching for feats related to town crying. The discovery sparked a competitive spirit, and the title of official town crier in 2017 provided the perfect platform to challenge it. His most recent success in the guild competition—where he shouted “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez” at 98 dB—was a precursor to his world record attempt. This command, traditionally used to signal attention before a proclamation, became a stepping stone in his quest to amplify his voice to unprecedented levels.

“Records are meant to be broken,” McGrail-Bateup remarked, reflecting on his willingness to let others surpass his achievements. “If someone beats me, that’s fantastic.”

McGrail-Bateup’s record was officially measured in May 2026 at a Canberra radio studio, where a professional acoustic engineer captured the sound alongside witnesses. The files were submitted to Guinness World Records, which confirmed the record on Friday. This marks his second world record, following a 2019 feat in archery where he set a speed record for shooting 10 arrows in 60.03 seconds. That record, which had stood since 2015, was eventually surpassed by a 7-year-old competitor who shaved 11.4 seconds off the previous time.

Australia’s Perceived Quietude

Australians often joke about their country being “boring,” but McGrail-Bateup’s work challenges that stereotype. His role as a town crier, which includes announcing events at car shows, school fetes, and local gatherings, is a vibrant contribution to the nation’s cultural fabric. While his primary job as an air conditioner cleaner may seem unrelated, the loudness required for both roles appears to be a shared trait. “Australians think this place is boring,” he said, “but there’s always something happening if you know where to look.”

McGrail-Bateup’s dual career highlights the unexpected ways in which individuals can excel in niche fields. The Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers, the organization he belongs to, emphasizes the preservation of ceremonial traditions. Winning the 2024 guild competition with his “Oyez” shout was a testament to his ability to merge humor and history. However, his world record attempt took the concept of loudness to an entirely new level, showcasing a vocal performance that rivals industrial machinery and aviation sounds.

The Science of Sound

Decibels measure the intensity of sound, with higher numbers indicating greater volume. A jet engine at takeoff produces around 120-130 dB, placing McGrail-Bateup’s “now” within the same range. This means his shout could potentially cause discomfort or even temporary hearing damage at close proximity. The comparison to everyday loud noises underscores the magnitude of his achievement, as it places him in the same category as thunderclaps or construction equipment.

While the world record was a one-time event, McGrail-Bateup’s ability to consistently generate high-decibel sounds has made him a standout figure in both his professions. His commitment to the role of town crier, combined with his passion for pushing boundaries, has created a unique blend of tradition and innovation. “It’s all about making a statement,” he said, “even if it’s just to grab people’s attention.”

McGrail-Bateup’s story is a reminder that records are not just about competition—they’re also about celebrating human capability and creativity. Whether it’s shouting “now” at 122.4 dB or launching arrows with precision, his achievements highlight the surprising ways in which seemingly ordinary roles can become extraordinary. As he continues to embrace his honorary title, he remains a symbol of the unexpected talents that can emerge in the most unexpected places.