**Australian Town Crier Sets New World Record for Loudest Shout**
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An Australian man has made history by becoming the loudest male shouter in the world. Joseph McGrail-Bateup, who serves as the official town crier for both Canberra and Queanbeyan, achieved this remarkable feat in May by recording a shout that reached an ear-splitting 122.4 decibels. This accomplishment was confirmed by Guinness World Records, which highlighted the impressive nature of his achievement, stating that his shout produced more noise than a jet taking off.
Before he found his voice on stage, McGrail-Bateup described himself as “very shy.” His journey into theatre marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to overcome his insecurities and develop confidence. The 51-year-old, affectionately known as Lord Joseph, now brings the community together through his enthusiastic proclamations at various events including car shows and local fetes. He took on the role of town crier in 2017, a position that has enabled him to engage with diverse audiences.
McGrail-Bateup’s involvement in the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers marked another milestone in his career. Joining the guild in 2022 allowed him to participate in local competitions, where he began honing his skills further. Two years later, he recorded an impressive cry of 98 decibels at a competition, which is comparable to the noise level of a snowmobile. His performance earned him a first-place win and inspired him to aim for the world record.
To prepare for his record-breaking shout, McGrail-Bateup enlisted his daughter’s help in identifying the ideal word to achieve maximum volume. He experimented with various options, initially considering “quiet” — a choice that certainly didn’t fit his goal. Eventually, they settled on the word “now,” which proved to be effective in reaching the desired decibel levels. Within just six months of deciding to pursue this record, McGrail-Bateup was ecstatic to finally accomplish his goal.
His record-breaking shout was not McGrail-Bateup’s first venture into the realm of world records. In 2019, he previously earned a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to shoot ten arrows into a target from a distance of 18 meters, completing the feat in a mere 1 minute and 0.03 seconds. This record exemplified his desire to achieve something unique within his capabilities as a performer.
Reflecting on his journey, McGrail-Bateup mentioned, “Not being unfamiliar with Guinness World Records … I looked up shouting, and here I am, six months later with the record.” His enthusiasm for both town crying and the pursuit of new challenges is evident as he embraces the thrill of setting records and entertaining audiences.
Today, he has transformed his initial shyness into a powerful voice that resonates across his community. McGrail-Bateup’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of following one’s passions and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
In his own words, he remarked about the joy and amusement derived from his unique talent: “It’s a lot of fun, and sometimes I can be louder than the sports cars sitting next to me.” As he continues to entertain and engage with the public, it is clear that Joseph McGrail-Bateup’s journey is just beginning, and many await to see what records he may pursue next.