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

Joseph McGrail-Bateup Claims the Title of the World’s Loudest Person

Man crowned world s loudest person – Joseph McGrail-Bateup, a 58-year-old professional air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier from Canberra, Australia, has made headlines by being officially recognized as the world’s loudest person by Guinness World Records. His record-breaking shout of the word “now” reached an astonishing 122.4 decibels, surpassing the previous benchmark of 121.7 decibels set by Northern Ireland schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan in 1994. Flanagan’s own record was established with the word “quiet,” which is comparable in volume to the roar of a jet engine during takeoff, the piercing sound of a chainsaw, and the blaring of an ambulance siren at close range.

The achievement is significant, as it marks the first time a male has been crowned the loudest individual in the world. McGrail-Bateup, who identifies more as the loudest man rather than the loudest person, emphasized the distinction in a recent interview. He said, “I’m pleased that she gets to keep her record. So she’s still the loudest woman in the world and I’m the loudest male in the world.” This recognition came after a rigorous process, with his shout recorded in a Canberra radio studio by a professional acoustic engineer. Witnesses were present to confirm the event’s authenticity, and the files were submitted to Guinness World Records, which officially announced the title on Friday.

“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 explained. He noted that the challenge was spontaneous, requiring him to deliver the word “now” without prior preparation. “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,” he added.

McGrail-Bateup’s journey to this recognition began with an unexpected discovery. While searching for feats related to town crier activities in Guinness World Records, he stumbled upon Flanagan’s record. This prompted him to consider the possibility of breaking it, especially after being appointed the official town crier of Canberra in 2017. The role, which is both honorary and part-time, was established by the local government and involves making announcements at community events, school fetes, and car shows. McGrail-Bateup finds the position “a bit of fun,” blending ceremonial duties with opportunities to engage with the public.

His involvement with the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers, a professional organization dedicated to preserving the historical and ceremonial aspects of the role, has further fueled his competitive spirit. In 2024, he won a guild competition with a loud “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez,” at 98 decibels. This command for silence and attention is typically used before a proclamation, showcasing the dual nature of his talents as both a town crier and a vocal performer. The record attempt for the loudest shout, however, was a different challenge altogether.

McGrail-Bateup experimented with several words before settling on “now” for his world record attempt. The word choice was deliberate, as it encapsulated the essence of urgency and clarity. The process was grueling, requiring multiple trials to achieve the desired decibel level. Despite the physical toll, he described the experience as rewarding. “It’s not just about the sound; it’s about the impact it makes,” he said. The final recording was made on May 2, 2026, in a controlled environment that ensured accurate measurement.

This achievement is not McGrail-Bateup’s first. In 2019, he broke an archery speed record by completing 10 arrows in 60.03 seconds, shaving a fraction of a second off a record that had stood since 2015. However, his record was short-lived, as a 7-year-old boy later surpassed it by 11.4 seconds. McGrail-Bateup, undeterred by this, said, “If someone beats me, that’s fantastic. Records are meant to be broken.” His mindset reflects a broader appreciation for the spirit of competition and the idea that no record is truly unassailable.

The world’s loudest person title adds another layer to McGrail-Bateup’s identity, blending his professional work with a unique form of public performance. As a town crier, he often uses his voice to address crowds, a skill that has now been officially acknowledged on a global scale. While some might see this as a quirky distinction, McGrail-Bateup embraces it with enthusiasm. He humorously noted that Australians sometimes perceive their country as dull, but his record serves as a reminder of the diverse and vibrant aspects of Australian culture.

The Guinness World Records process for the loudest shout was meticulous, involving precise equipment and expert validation. The decibel measurement, which is a unit used to quantify sound intensity, ensures that the record is recognized as a legitimate and measurable achievement. McGrail-Bateup’s shout was not only louder than Flanagan’s but also demonstrates the remarkable range of human vocal capability. His dedication to the task, combined with the natural environment of the radio studio, created the perfect conditions for setting this new benchmark.

McGrail-Bateup’s accomplishment highlights the unexpected ways people can achieve recognition. From cleaning air conditioners to declaring proclamations and breaking world records, he has carved out a niche that is as unconventional as it is impressive. The title of the world’s loudest person, while seemingly trivial, underscores the importance of individuality and the power of a single, well-timed sound. As he continues to serve in his honorary role, McGrail-Bateup remains a symbol of the joy and effort that can go into even the most unique of pursuits.