Australian Town Crier Breaks Guinness World Records for World’s Loudest Shout
Poinews.com – Australian town crier breaks Guinness World Records – Joseph McGrail-Bateup, a 58-year-old Canberra resident with a unique blend of roles as an air conditioner cleaner and honorary town crier, has shattered the previous record for the world’s loudest human shout. His recorded cry of the word “now” measured at 122.4 decibels (dB) now stands as the new benchmark, surpassing the previous mark of 121.7 dB held by Northern Ireland schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan since 1994. This achievement, officially recognized by Guinness World Records, underscores the blend of tradition and modernity in his dual career.
Unconventional Conditions for a Record-Breaking Shout
McGrail-Bateup’s record attempt took place in a Canberra radio studio, where a professional acoustic engineer meticulously measured the sound. Witnesses were present to confirm the authenticity of the event, ensuring that the conditions met the rigorous standards set by Guinness World Records. The 122.4 dB level is comparable to the deafening noise of a chainsaw, a jet engine at takeoff, or an ambulance siren at close proximity, making it a formidable feat. Interestingly, the challenge was not something McGrail-Bateup could rehearse for, as he explained in a recent interview.
“There’s no way you can actually practice for it. You have to just keep it for the day, especially with the world record attempt,” McGrail-Bateup said. “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.”
A Ceremonial Tradition with a New Record
As an honorary town crier, McGrail-Bateup’s role includes making announcements at community events, school fetes, and car shows. His title, Lord Joseph, was bestowed by the Ancient and Honorable Guild of Australian Town Criers, a professional organization dedicated to preserving historic ceremonial duties. In 2024, he previously set a Guinness World Records mark by shouting “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez” at 98 dB, a call for attention before delivering proclamations. This latest record, however, marks a significant leap in both volume and audacity.
McGrail-Bateup’s journey to the top of the loudness chart began with a simple curiosity. While exploring the Guinness World Records archives, he discovered Flanagan’s record and felt a personal connection to the challenge. “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,” he remarked, highlighting the distinction between the two records. His motivation, he explained, was as much about fun as it was about competition.
From Archery to Announcements: A Multifaceted Career
Before making headlines for his vocal prowess, McGrail-Bateup had already left his mark in a different field. In 2019, he broke a speed record for an archer who fired 10 arrows in 60.03 seconds, shaving off a fraction of a second from the previous time. However, just nine months later, a 7-year-old boy surpassed his achievement by 11.4 seconds. Despite this, McGrail-Bateup remains undeterred, viewing each record as an opportunity to push boundaries.
“If someone beats me, that’s fantastic,” he said. “Records are meant to be broken.”
His latest feat, though a personal milestone, was achieved through a mix of spontaneity and precision. The word “now” was selected after experimenting with several options, and the process left him with a raspy voice for days. McGrail-Bateup described the role as “a bit of fun,” emphasizing its honorary and part-time nature, which aligns with the traditions of town criers. This latest Guinness World Records title adds to his growing list of achievements, showcasing his ability to excel in diverse fields.
The Community’s Reaction and Future Prospects
The announcement of McGrail-Bateup’s record has sparked local interest, with many Canberrans expressing admiration for his audacity. The event was not just a personal challenge but also a celebration of the town crier’s role in Australian culture, blending historical significance with contemporary entertainment. His success has reignited conversations about the importance of preserving traditional roles while embracing new challenges, such as setting a Guinness World Records title for loudness.
Looking ahead, McGrail-Bateup remains open to future record attempts, whether in the realm of ceremonial announcements or other unconventional categories. His latest Guinness World Records entry has already cemented his place in the annals of record-breaking feats, proving that even the most unexpected roles can lead to remarkable achievements. As he continues to balance his day job with his honorary duties, the Australian town crier’s voice is set to echo far beyond his local community.
