Australian Town Crier Breaks World Record for Loudest Shout at 122.4 Decibels

If you find yourself in Canberra, Australia, you will likely hear Joseph McGrail-Bateup long before you see him. Known professionally as Lord Joseph, he is the official town crier for Canberra and Queanbeyan, and now holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest shout by an individual.

In May, he shattered the record with a measurement of 122.4 dB - as loud as a rock concert or a military aircraft taking off. The record-breaking shout came from a single word: "now."

McGrail-Bateup was appointed Canberra's official town crier in 2017. He started taking the role seriously when he joined the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers in 2022 and began competing. After winning first place for loudest cry at a competition in 2024 with 98 dB, he set his sights on the world record.

He worked together with his daughter to find the most effective word for maximum decibels. The previous word used in competition was "silence," but it did not produce enough volume. They settled on "now" - and six months later, the record was his. He is also a former world record holder in archery. 🏹