Joseph McGrail-Bateup, a town crier from Canberra, Australia, has been officially crowned the world's loudest person by Guinness World Records, with a shout measuring 122.4 decibels. The record was confirmed on June 23, 2026, after a demonstration captured on video by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Record-Breaking Shout
McGrail-Bateup's shout of 122.4 decibels surpasses the previous record, making him the loudest person on Earth. For comparison, a jet engine at takeoff is around 120 decibels, and prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage. The town crier's achievement was verified using calibrated sound equipment under controlled conditions.
In a statement, McGrail-Bateup expressed his surprise and delight at the recognition. 'I never thought my voice would get me into the record books,' he said. 'It's a great honor and a bit surreal.'
Background of the Record Holder
McGrail-Bateup has been a town crier for several years, performing at public events and ceremonies in Canberra. His powerful voice has been a hallmark of his performances, often drawing crowds and media attention. The Guinness World Records team was alerted to his abilities after a local news segment highlighted his vocal prowess.
The record attempt was conducted in a controlled environment to ensure accuracy. McGrail-Bateup performed a series of shouts, with the loudest recorded at 122.4 decibels. The measurement was taken from a distance of one meter, following standard Guinness protocols.
Impact and Reactions
The achievement has brought international attention to Canberra and the role of town criers in modern society. Local officials praised McGrail-Bateup for putting the city on the map. 'This is a fantastic accomplishment that showcases the unique talents of our community,' said a spokesperson for the Canberra City Council.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday commented, 'We are thrilled to recognize Joseph's incredible vocal ability. It takes a lot of control and power to produce a shout of this magnitude.'
The record is expected to inspire other town criers and vocal performers to pursue their own Guinness World Records titles.
