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Key Information

Joshua William Dun (born June 18, 1988) is an American musician. He is best known as the drummer of the musical duo Twenty One Pilots, alongside Tyler Joseph,[1][2][3] but he has collaborated with other artists as well. His band has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, of which he has won one.

Early life

[edit]

Joshua William Dun was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 18, 1988,[4][5] the son of hospice social worker Laura Lee Dun (née McCollum) and physical therapy assistant William Earl "Bill" Dun. He has two sisters and a brother.[6] His great-great-great-grandparents were the American rancher Edwin Dun, who was the United States Ambassador to Japan, and his second Japanese wife, Yama.[7]

He initially took trumpet lessons at school and then turned his attention to drums, teaching himself how to play.[8] One method Dun references was imitating the beats of the records he'd buy on an electronic drum kit.[9]

He worked at Guitar Center for three years, where he met former Twenty One Pilots drummer Chris Salih, who eventually introduced him to his future bandmate Tyler Joseph.[10][11]

Career

[edit]

2010: House of Heroes

[edit]

In March 2010, Dun joined House of Heroes as a touring member after the band's drummer, Colin Rigsby, took a break to spend more time with his family.[12] He makes an appearance in the music video for the band's single "God Save the Foolish Kings."[13] He performed on House of Heroes' live tour until October, when Rigsby returned to his duties.[14]

After quitting his job at Guitar Center, Dun planned to leave for Nashville, Tennessee in pursuit of a drum career in the industry; however, he was stopped by Twenty One Pilots drummer Chris Salih, who offered him his role.[15] He went on to play a show with Tyler Joseph after Salih and bassist Nick Thomas left the group due to other commitments. They played one song before police officers showed up and cancelled the show.[11] Dun subsequently became the band's full-time drummer,[5] joining as production on the band's second studio album Regional at Best drew to a close. The album was released on July 8, 2011, shortly after Dun's recruitment. Although he does not perform on the album, he is credited in the liner notes.

2011–present: Twenty One Pilots

[edit]
Main article: Twenty One Pilots

In April 2012, Twenty One Pilots signed with record label Fueled by Ramen, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records.[5] Twenty One Pilots' third studio album, Vessel, was released on January 8, 2013, through Fueled by Ramen and reached no. 21 on the Billboard 200.[16]

Dun performing in Munich, Germany in 2016

The band's fourth studio album, Blurryface, was released on May 17, 2015, two days ahead of its intended release date.[17] At this point in Twenty One Pilots' career, the band had topped the charts with their hit single "Stressed Out"–the song's music video being filmed at Dun's childhood home—and has since received over 3 billion views on YouTube.[18]

Their fifth studio album, Trench, was released on October 5, 2018. The album was the first release of the newly revived Elektra Music Group.[19]

On April 9, 2020, the duo released a new single "Level of Concern".[20][21] The accompanying music video for the track was filmed in both Joseph and Dun's respective homes while they were under lockdown due to the U.S. state and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.[22] On December 8, 2020, Twenty One Pilots released a Christmas song, titled "Christmas Saves the Year", during a Twitch livestream hosted by Tyler Joseph.[23][24][25] The duo's sixth studio album, Scaled and Icy, was released on May 21, 2021.[26][27][28]

The duo's seventh studio album, Clancy, was set to release on May 17, 2024, nine years after the release of their breakthrough album Blurryface,[25][29] but was delayed for one week to May 24 while Dun, Joseph and videographer Mark Eshleman completed music videos for each song.[30] The lead single for the album, "Overcompensate", released on February 29, 2024. In Dun's directorial debut, he directed the music video for the album's third single, "Backslide", which was released on April 25, 2024.[31][32]

Twenty One Pilots had announced an eighth studio album, Breach, on May 21, 2025, which was released on September 12 of the same year.[33][34] The first single, "The Contract", was released on June 12. This record was the conclusion to the storyline beginning with Blurryface.[35][36] In "Drum Show", which was released as a single on August 18, Dun contributed his first lead vocals to a song.[37]

Other ventures

[edit]

In 2017, Dun partnered with Hayley Williams of pop punk band Paramore to promote her hair dye line "Good Dye Young".[38]

Influences

[edit]

At the age of 13, Dun developed an interest in punk music, initially seeking "the fastest punk rock that he could find."[39] He mainly listened to punk rock when he was growing up.[40] He cites ...And Out Come the Wolves by Rancid as an early influence due to its combination of different music genres.[39] Some of his earliest purchases were an album by NOFX, and Human Clay by Creed, citing "Higher" as one of his favorite songs.[41] Afterward, he branched into pop punk music, citing Does This Look Infected? by Sum 41, as well as Blink-182.[41] When learning drums, Dun would play along to Metallica.[39] However, his parents set strict rules on what music he could listen to, about which he later said, "I'd hide albums like Green Day's Dookie underneath my bed. Sometimes they'd find them and get real mad. They'd find a Christian alternative, like Relient K, and make me listen to that."[42] Later, Dun transitioned to slower alternative rock, with albums like Daisy by Brand New.[39]

He initially took trumpet lessons at school and then turned his attention to drums, teaching himself how to play.[8] One method Dun references was imitating the beats of the records he'd buy on an electronic drum kit.[9] Since a young age, Dun has ultimately sought to "blend" genres and make diverse music.[43]

Personal life

[edit]

Dun and Twenty One Pilots bandmate Tyler Joseph both have an "X" tattoo on their bodies symbolizing their dedication to their hometown fans in Columbus, Ohio. They received it onstage during their hometown show at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on April 26, 2013.[44] Joseph's is placed on his right bicep, and Dun's is located on his neck just behind his right ear. Dun also sports the name "Tyler" above his left knee, which he received from Joseph onstage during a show at the Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 30, 2015.[45] They are both fans of the Ohio State Buckeyes.[46]

Dun dated actress and singer Debby Ryan from May 2013 to September 2014.[47][48] They resumed their relationship sometime after.[49] They were married in Austin, Texas, on December 31, 2019.[50] The two are longtime fans of the Fast & Furious franchise[51] and went on to make a cameo appearance in Fast X.[52][53]

Dun and Ryan currently live in Columbus, Ohio.[54][55] In March 2023, magazine Architectural Digest released a documentary about their home.[56] The pair commissioned Dun's brother's girlfriend to sculpt a bust of Dwayne Johnson. Being an avid boxer,[57] Dun also assembled a boxing ring in his basement.[58] In May 2023, instrument retailer Sweetwater filmed a documentary about the construction of Dun's home studio. The studio was designed by Haverstick Designs, the same firm that designed bandmate Tyler Joseph's home studio.[59][60]

Dun has proclaimed that he is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.[61]

On September 7, 2025, Dun and Ryan announced that they are expecting their first child.[62]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

with Twenty One Pilots

[edit]
Main article: Twenty One Pilots discography

with other artists

[edit]
List of songs Josh Dun is featured in
Year Song Album Artist Role Notes
2016 "Midnight Heart" x Infinity George Watsky Drums, music video cameo [63][64]
2017 "Savage"
"Almost Had Me" 		Skin and Earth Lights Drums [65]
2017 "Orthodontist Girl" The Knife Goldfinger Drums [66]
2018 "Fake It"

"Take Me With You"

Ghosts of Youth Wingtip Writer/composer, publisher [67][68]
2019 "PREY FOR ME/3" Strength in Numb333rs Fever 333 Writer/composer, publisher [69]
2019 "Invisible Hearts"

"Broken Places"

State of Mind (Deluxe) The Faim Writer/composer, publisher [70][71]
2020 "Dark Times" I'd Rather Die Than Let You In The Hunna Drums, writer/composer, [72]
2020 "Happy Face" 33 Jagwar Twin Drums, trumpet The song was released on December 21, 2020.[73][74]
2020 "The MegaMix Drum Cover" Josh Dun, Matt McGuire Drums [75][76]
2022 "In My Head" Pep Lights Drums The song was released in March.[77]
2023 "Great Time to Be Human" TBA Jagwar Twin Writer/composer, publisher [78]
2023 "Life is Good" angelbaby, Jagwar Twin Writer/composer [79]
2023 "Good Time (1:08)" Jagwar Twin Writer/composer, publisher [67]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Ref.
2013 This is Wavorly. Jaime Web-series by Mississippi rock band Wavorly. Episode 2: "Jaime is Dun"[80]
2022 Twenty One Pilots: Cinema Experience Himself [81]
2023 Fast X Himself Cameo[82]

Awards and nominations

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See also: List of awards and nominations received by Twenty One Pilots
Year Ceremony Award Nominated Result Ref.
2014 Alternative Press Music Awards Best Drummer Josh Dun Nominated [83]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Josh Dun

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Joshua William Dun (born June 18, 1988) is an American musician best known as the drummer for the musical duo Twenty One Pilots. A self-taught drummer from Columbus, Ohio, Dun worked at Guitar Center before joining House of Heroes as a touring member in March 2010, departing later that year. He met Twenty One Pilots' frontman Tyler Joseph through mutual connections and became the band's full-time drummer in 2011, contributing to the independent release Regional at Best and the subsequent major-label debut Vessel after signing with Fueled by Ramen in 2012. Dun's tenure with the duo has been marked by high-energy live performances and his role in crafting the band's eclectic sound blending alternative rock, hip-hop, and reggae elements, leading to commercial breakthroughs with the 2015 album Blurryface, which topped charts worldwide. The duo earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Stressed Out" from that album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017, highlighting Dun's percussion work amid the band's six total nominations. His distinctive drumming style, often featuring acrobatic stage antics like backflips while playing, has become a defining characteristic of Twenty One Pilots' concerts.

Early Life and Background

Family and Upbringing

Joshua William Dun was born on June 18, 1988, in , to parents William Earl "Bill" Dun and Laura Lee McCollum Dun. He grew up in a of six, including older sisters Ashley Bonnie Lee Dun and Abigail Christine Dun, as well as brother Jordan Christopher Dun. The Dun household was Christian, characterized by Josh Dun as stricter in its religious environment compared to bandmate Tyler Joseph's upbringing, which instilled a foundational framework amid family expectations of discipline. This religious context contributed to Dun's early values, though he later described his as marked by and aggression, prompting his parents to nearly enroll him in military school around age 14 and consider evicting him from the home. Dun completed high but did not pursue , reflecting a preference for self-directed development over extended formal education within institutionalized settings. This choice aligned with the family's emphasis on personal responsibility, shaping his independent approach to life's challenges during his formative years in .

Entry into Music

Dun initially explored music through trumpet lessons, which provided foundational rhythm and reading skills but yielded limited proficiency. Transitioning to around age 12, he adopted a self-taught approach, relying on repeated viewing and analysis of videos featuring established drummers, alongside dedicated practice sessions without formal instruction. To acquire and maintain drumming equipment, Dun secured employment at , working there for three years in a role that doubled as immersion in music retail operations and the local Columbus scene. This position enabled daily access to drum kits for practice, honing his skills through consistent, unguided repetition on electric sets before transitioning to acoustic setups.

Professional Career

Pre-Band Employment and Initial Bands

Following his graduation from Tree of Life Christian School in , in 2006, Josh Dun pursued drumming while supporting himself through entry-level service and retail positions. His initial employment was at , a local chain where he worked in food service to fund early musical endeavors. Subsequently, Dun joined on Morse Road, spending three years in the drum department, handling sales, repairs, and customer demonstrations of percussion equipment. There, he interacted professionally with Chris Salih, the original drummer for , fostering connections within the local scene. Parallel to these jobs, Dun honed his skills through involvement in Columbus-area bands, performing in small venues to accumulate live experience. One such group was Station2, a local act with which he toured internationally to around 2008–2009, navigating logistical challenges and audience engagement abroad. These early gigs, often amid frequent rejections from promoters and inconsistent bookings, cultivated practical resilience and stage proficiency before more structured opportunities arose.

House of Heroes Period (2010)

In March , Josh Dun joined the alternative Christian rock band as a touring , filling in for Colin Rigsby, who took a temporary break to spend more time with his family. This role came through Dun's prior connection to Rigsby and positioned him behind the kit for live shows supporting the band's 2010 album Suburbia, though he did not contribute to any studio recordings. Dun's involvement included high-energy performances on tours such as the Awake to the Sound of Distancing outing, where shared bills with acts like Skillet and starting in March 2010, and appearances at festivals like Uprise Fest later that year. His drumming emphasized dynamic rhythms suited to the band's style blended with Christian themes, helping maintain live momentum during Rigsby's absence. This period marked Dun's initial immersion in professional touring logistics, including travel across the U.S. for club dates and festivals, and fostering band chemistry through shared stage time with members like Tim Skipper and Rigsby. The arrangement proved short-lived, spanning less than a year as Dun departed by early 2011 amid his growing commitments elsewhere, including a pivotal opportunity with following their December 2010 show opening for at Skully's Music Diner in . This brief stint honed Dun's skills in adapting to a structured band environment and delivering consistent live execution under tour pressures, bridging his earlier local gigs to full-time professional drumming.

Twenty One Pilots Tenure (2011–present)

Joshua William Dun joined Twenty One Pilots as drummer in 2011, shortly after the departure of original member Chris Salih. Having worked with Salih at Guitar Center, Dun received a demo CD of the band's early material and attended a local show, which impressed him enough to fill in during performances and ultimately become a permanent member alongside vocalist Tyler Joseph. This transition reduced the group to a stable duo format, enabling focused regional performances in Ohio and the self-release of Regional at Best that year to cultivate a dedicated local audience. The duo's persistence paid off when they signed with , a of , on April 29, , propelling them from Midwestern club venues to broader commercial opportunities. Dun's integration emphasized a collaborative dynamic, where he contributed to arrangements and production alongside Joseph's primary songwriting, fostering innovative live presentations that blended drums with electronic elements and . This partnership contrasted with common band instability, as the duo has maintained its core lineup without turnover for over a decade, sustaining creative continuity through extensive touring and conceptual album cycles. Dun's tenure reflects unwavering commitment, evidenced by the pair's evolution into a global act while preserving their experimental ethos. Their duo structure has allowed for tight-knit decision-making, avoiding the disruptions typical in larger ensembles, and has supported consistent output into 2025, including ongoing world tours and new material announcements. This longevity underscores a resilient professional bond, prioritizing artistic integrity over transient trends.

Early Integration and Rise to Fame

Josh Dun integrated into in 2011 after original drummer Chris Salih departed due to scheduling conflicts, with Dun having attended a band show at Salih's invitation and expressing strong admiration for their music. His addition stabilized the lineup as a duo with vocalist , enabling a shift toward more dynamic live drumming that replaced electronic elements from prior recordings. The duo self-released Regional at Best on November 21, 2011, featuring Dun's drumming on tracks that blended hip-hop, , and rock influences, marking his debut studio contribution and helping solidify their regional sound. Extensive touring followed in the Midwest, particularly , where relentless performances in small venues cultivated an organic fanbase through word-of-mouth and direct audience engagement rather than heavy promotion. This approach emphasized live authenticity, with Dun's energetic percussion sets—often incorporating flips off the drum riser—drawing crowds and differentiating their shows from backing-track reliant acts. By early 2012, the band's live reputation attracted interest from Warner Music subsidiary , leading to a signing in after label executives witnessed a Columbus performance showcasing the duo's instrumental versatility. Emotional live renditions of songs like "Trees," where Joseph descended into crowds for interactive closers, began generating online buzz via fan-recorded videos, aiding a pivot toward broader distribution without compromising their self-produced ethos. These elements built momentum through 2013–2014, as Vessel's rerecorded tracks gained streaming traction, setting the stage for national expansion while navigating duo logistics like rapid setup transitions between Joseph's multi-instrument roles and Dun's unamplified drum fills.

Blurryface to Scaled and Icy Era (2015–2021)

The Blurryface era marked a commercial breakthrough for Twenty One Pilots, with the album released on May 17, 2015, featuring Josh Dun's dynamic drumming on tracks such as "Stressed Out," which became a major hit. Dun's contributions helped propel the record to widespread success, including a live album captured during the Emotional Roadshow World Tour in 2016. The tour showcased Dun's high-energy performances, solidifying the duo's live reputation amid rising fame. Following the intense touring schedule, entered a year-long hiatus starting July 6, 2017, which Dun later attributed to the need to step back and recharge after emotional exhaustion from constant performance demands. Both Dun and frontman have publicly discussed their struggles with anxiety and , influences that permeated their work during this period. The break preceded the release of on October 5, 2018, where Dun's drumming supported the album's thematic exploration of escape and resilience, accompanied by that grossed over $95 million in revenue across multiple continents. In response to the , adapted by releasing on May 21, 2021, an album conceived under scaled-back conditions reflecting isolation and uncertainty, yet infused with optimistic tones. Dun participated in virtual performances and production adjustments during lockdowns, demonstrating the duo's flexibility while maintaining creative output amid global disruptions. This era highlighted Dun's role in sustaining the band's momentum through innovative, constraint-driven artistry.

Clancy and Breach Developments (2024–2025)

Clancy, ' seventh studio album, was released on May 24, 2024, via , featuring Josh Dun's dynamic drumming that underscored tracks like "Overcompensate" and "Next Semester" with intricate rhythms blending electronic and live percussion elements central to the band's lore-driven narrative. The album's production highlighted Dun's technical prowess, including rapid fills and layered beats that supported the thematic progression from prior releases like . Following Clancy, the duo released Breach, their eighth studio album, on September 12, 2025, marking the culmination of a seven-year lore arc centered on characters escaping oppressive forces in the fictional Dema continent. Dun's contributions to Breach included emphatic patterns on songs such as "City Walls" and "RAWFEAR," enhancing the album's raw, confrontational energy. A key single, "Drum Show," released August 18, 2025, showcased Dun's first lead vocals alongside his signature percussive style, emphasizing themes of personal breakthrough and fan-interpreted Torchbearer symbolism in the lore. The Clancy World Tour launched on August 15, 2024, in Denver, Colorado, supporting Clancy with high-intensity performances where Dun's drumming involved acrobatic maneuvers like backflips mid-solo and elevated drum kits, testing his physical limits across over 50 dates through early 2025. Extended as The Clancy Tour: Breach starting September 18, 2025, in , , the tour incorporated Breach material, maintaining Dun's demanding routine of rapid tempo shifts and stage athletics amid sold-out arenas, concluding October 26, 2025, in . Fan engagement intensified via lore-embedded for singles like "The Contract" (June 12, 2025) and promotional content decoding narrative threads, fostering community analysis of Dun's evolving role as the instrumental anchor.

Side Projects and Collaborations

In 2017, Dun provided drums for two tracks on Lights' Skin&Earth: "Savage," where his energetic percussion complemented the song's electronic-rock fusion, and "Almost Had Me." The collaboration stemmed from personal friendship, with Lights noting Dun's enthusiasm for the project during its development. Dun reunited with Lights in 2022 for "In My Head," a single marking their second joint effort, in which he again contributed drums to enhance the track's introspective pop sound. For British The Hunna's 2020 album I'd Rather Die Than Let You In, Dun drummed on the single "Dark Times" and co-wrote the song alongside band members and producer , infusing it with driving rhythms that aligned with the album's raw emotional tone. These selective guest appearances underscore Dun's preference for focused, low-profile contributions over extensive solo ventures, with no independent albums released as of 2025, reflecting his commitment to Twenty One Pilots as primary outlet.

Musical Style and Influences

Drumming Innovations and Techniques

Josh Dun employs a hybrid drumming setup combining acoustic drums with electronic triggers and pads to replicate the layered, production-intensive sound of ' recordings during live duo performances. This configuration typically features a compact four-piece acoustic kit augmented by three Yamaha silicone pads, a SPD-SX sampling pad, and triggers on bass drums for expanded sonic possibilities, enabling precise control over electronic elements without additional musicians. Dun's technique emphasizes rapid, intricate fills executed at high speeds, often showcased in arena tours where live footage captures seamless transitions between acoustic bursts and programmed rhythms. These fills prioritize dynamic intensity over traditional washes, focusing on tom-tom and snare patterns that align with the band's genre-blending structures, as observed in performances from the era onward. To sustain marathon-length sets exceeding two hours with physical demands like elevated platform drumming, Dun incorporates , including completing the Columbus Half Marathon on October 15, 2017. This regimen contrasts conventional rock drumming by building cardiovascular stamina for consistent output across extended, high-energy shows, evidenced by his maintenance of tempo and power in live settings.

Artistic and Personal Influences

Dun's artistic influences stem primarily from punk and genres, which instilled a foundation of high-energy, fast-paced drumming. He cites early exposure to bands such as Rancid, , and as igniting his passion for dynamic percussion, often practiced in secret due to parental restrictions on during his youth. This self-taught approach, developed by studying online videos of diverse drummers and selectively adopting elements he found compelling, emphasized and stage presence over conventional technique. His tenure with the alternative Christian rock band in 2010 further refined this style, blending rock intensity with thematic depth rooted in faith-based narratives. Personal influences, particularly Dun's Christian worldview, causally shape his artistic output by prioritizing resilience and substantive messaging amid existential themes. As a devout Christian, he integrates as a lens for interpreting human struggles, channeling it into performances that convey hope and endurance rather than transient trends. This manifests in his drumming's alignment with ' explorations of identity and perseverance, avoiding superficial popularity in favor of authentic expression informed by spiritual conviction. Early familial constraints on music access, coupled with his determination to transcend mere timekeeping, reinforced a commitment to innovative, message-driven artistry over mainstream .

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Dun began dating actress in 2013 following their first date, though the relationship included an off-and-on period before solidifying. The couple became engaged in late 2018 and married secretly on December 31, 2019, in a private New Year's Eve ceremony in , which they planned in just 28 days and publicly confirmed in May 2020. On September 7, 2025, Ryan and Dun announced via that they are expecting their first child together, sharing photos of Ryan's baby bump and expressing anticipation for parenthood. Amid Dun's commitments with ' international tours and Ryan's ongoing acting projects, including roles in series like Insatiable, the pair have prioritized privacy in their family life, limiting public disclosures to milestone events while integrating their professional schedules.

Christian Faith and Worldview

Josh Dun was raised in a conservative Christian household in , where religious principles guided family life, including restrictions on and media to align with biblical standards. This environment instilled a foundational commitment to , influencing his personal ethics and distinguishing them from prevailing cultural norms by prioritizing scriptural authority. Dun has explicitly affirmed his Christian identity through public discussions of biblical concepts, such as intercession—praying on behalf of others as modeled in Scripture—highlighting a faith centered on active spiritual practice rather than passive affiliation. He separates personal devotion, rooted in a direct relationship with God, from institutional religion, echoing the band's approach of integrating redemptive themes without adopting a "Christian music" label to broaden outreach. This stance counters portrayals minimizing their faith as mere cultural residue, as Dun's engagements reveal a deliberate embrace of absolute truths over relativistic views. In interviews and band contexts, Dun's worldview manifests in endorsements of faith amid life's struggles, framing redemption as achievable through divine intervention rather than self-reliance, consistent with evangelical emphases on grace and perseverance.

Mental Health and Philanthropic Efforts

Josh Dun has publicly discussed his lifelong struggles with severe anxiety, including attacks that have at times felt debilitating, yet he emphasizes overcoming them through personal and performance as a means of building resilience. In interviews, he describes channeling anxiety into his drumming role with , viewing stage performances as a deliberate confrontation of fears rather than avoidance, which has helped him manage symptoms without relying solely on external interventions. Dun's advocacy extends to , where he participates in the band's annual charity initiatives supporting the (AFSP). These efforts include "Team Josh" fundraising campaigns tied to his birthday and tour events, such as the 2024 Breach Tour collaborations that raised funds through fan donations and giveaways explicitly for AFSP programs. While band proceeds from select releases and events have historically contributed to causes, Dun's involvement highlights a focus on community-driven awareness over isolated therapeutic models, aligning with his expressed preference for actionable steps like facing fears head-on. His Christian underpins these efforts, informing a worldview that prioritizes spiritual practices and communal support for mental resilience, as evidenced by his participation in studies on themes like and personal of aiding endurance. Dun has also supported broader philanthropic causes, such as the #SaveOurStages campaign for independent venues during the and donations to Crew Nation for live event workers, reflecting a commitment to sustaining creative communities that foster mental well-being.

Works and Contributions

Discography

Albums with Twenty One Pilots

Josh Dun joined in 2011 and provided live drumming support from that point, but his first studio drumming contributions appeared on the band's third album, Vessel, released March 8, 2013, via . Drums on prior self-released albums Twenty One Pilots (2009) and Regional at Best (2011) were programmed or performed by other contributors, with Regional at Best finalized shortly before Dun's full integration into recording sessions. Subsequent albums feature Dun's drumming prominently, often incorporating electronic elements, live percussion, and innovative production techniques he co-engineered:
YearAlbumLabelPeak Billboard 200 Position
2013Vessel
2015Blurryface1
2018Trench2
2021Scaled and Icy3
2024Clancy3
2025BreachTBD (released September 12, 2025)
Peak positions sourced from official chart data; Breach lead single "The Contract" released June 12, 2025.

Guest Appearances and Other Recordings

Dun's studio recordings outside Twenty One Pilots are limited, primarily consisting of early contributions to local Columbus-area projects before the band's major success. He served as touring drummer for the rock band House of Heroes in the late 2000s but did not contribute to their studio albums. No solo album by Dun has been released as of October 2025, despite occasional mentions in interviews of exploratory personal projects. Live collaborations, such as drum segments at the 2017 with and , remain performance-based rather than recorded releases.

Albums with Twenty One Pilots

Dun joined in early 2011 and provided drums and percussion for all subsequent studio albums, contributing to their eclectic blend of hip-hop, rock, and electronic elements through layered rhythms and live-feel recordings where applicable. Regional at Best (July 8, 2011) marked Dun's recording debut with the band on this self-released album, which did not chart on the due to its independent distribution. No has been awarded for the album. Dun's drum tracks emphasized raw, organic percussion supporting the introspective tracks. Vessel (March 5, 2013) peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard 200 upon release. The album has achieved Gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units. It features extensive live drum performances by Dun, with stems revealing prominent acoustic and programmed elements he layered for dynamic builds. (May 17, 2015) debuted at No. 1 on the and holds 3× Platinum for over 3 million units. Dun's contributions include punchy, hip-hop-influenced beats that underpin the album's breakout singles, blending electronic triggers with traditional kit work. Trench (October 5, 2018) reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It earned Platinum RIAA status. Dun delivered intense, narrative-driven percussion that integrated with the album's dystopian themes, using hybrid setups for rhythmic complexity. Scaled and Icy (May 21, 2021) peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and received Gold certification from the RIAA. Dun recorded the majority of drum tracks in his home studio, incorporating live takes amid pandemic constraints for a brighter, synth-heavy sound. Clancy (May 24, 2024) debuted at No. 3 on the . As of October 2025, it lacks but builds on prior sales momentum. Dun's drumming maintains the band's signature intensity, with programmed and live elements enhancing the lore-connected tracks. Breach (September 12, 2025) topped the with 200,000 equivalent units in its first week, the largest for a rock album in six years. No has been issued yet. Dun's role expands with vocal features on tracks like "Drum Show," alongside robust drum production that emphasizes heavier rock textures.

Guest Appearances and Other Recordings

Dun has made sporadic guest contributions to recordings outside his primary work with , focusing on drumming for select independent artists. In 2017, he provided drums for the track "Savage" by Canadian Lights, featured on her Skin&Earth, which explores themes of survival and self-discovery through a graphic novel-inspired . This collaboration arose from mutual admiration, with Lights citing Dun's energetic style as a fit for the song's intense . Dun reunited with Lights in 2022 for her single "In My Head," again supplying the drum performance, which complements the track's electronic-pop elements with live percussion layers recorded remotely. Lights described the partnership as a "surprise" opportunity, emphasizing Dun's technical precision and ability to adapt to her production vision. As of 2025, these remain his only confirmed studio guest appearances on other artists' releases, with no solo recordings or extensive compilation features documented.

Filmography and Media Roles

Josh Dun's filmography centers on performative roles within Twenty One Pilots' visual media, including music videos and tour documentaries, without narrative acting credits. He appears as the band's drummer in official music videos starting from the Blurryface era onward, showcasing live drumming and stage antics integral to the duo's aesthetic. Notable examples include "Stressed Out" (2015), where Dun performs inverted drum routines, and "The Outside" (2022), featuring him in synchronized band performance sequences. Documentaries highlight Dun's contributions to live tours. In Twenty One Pilots: Down on the Farm (2013), a short video documenting early performances, Dun is featured as performer alongside . The Banditø Tour mini-series (2018–2019) captures behind-the-scenes footage from the Trench promotional tour, with Dun participating in interviews and rehearsal segments. More recently, the Clancy World Tour Series (2024–2025), released episodically on , includes Dun in preparation and on-stage clips from the Clancy and Breach album cycles, emphasizing tour logistics and performances. Dun has made guest appearances on television as a performer, such as on MTV Unplugged and the , delivering live renditions of tracks. In 2025, the official video for "Drum Show" from the Breach album features Dun in a focused drumming , blending and promotional elements. No full-length films from the Clancy tour era were released as of October 2025, though fan-recorded full shows circulated online.
YearTitleRole/Type
2013Twenty One Pilots: Down on the FarmPerformer (Documentary short)
2015 (Music Video)Drummer/Performer
2018–2019: Banditø TourSelf (Documentary mini-series)
2022The Outside (Music Video)Josh Dun (Performer)
2025Drum Show (Music Video)Drummer/Performer

Reception and Legacy

Achievements and Commercial Impact

As the drummer for Twenty One Pilots, Josh Dun contributed to the duo's sole Grammy Award win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with "Stressed Out" at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017. The band earned three Grammy nominations in total, including Best Rock Performance for "Heathens" in the same year. Dun's percussion work, integral to the band's production and live execution, supported these recognitions amid their genre-blending sound. Twenty One Pilots' commercial success includes RIAA certifications for over 35 million units in the United States, with the 2015 album Blurryface achieving 3x Platinum status and becoming the first full-length album in the digital era where every track received Gold or higher certification. The lead single "Stressed Out" from Blurryface reached Diamond certification (10 million units) on May 22, 2024. The band's self-titled debut album received Gold certification for 500,000 units on June 20, 2025. The duo's tours have generated substantial revenue, with the 2021 grossing $73.6 million across 88 reported shows according to data. Cumulative tour earnings exceed $100 million, bolstered by high-attendance runs like the 2016–2017 and subsequent arena and stadium outings. Dun's is estimated at $16 million as of recent assessments, primarily from band-related including streaming royalties, merchandise , and live .

Critical Assessments and Criticisms

Josh Dun has received praise for his high-energy live drumming performances, often incorporating acrobatic elements like backflips and crowd interaction that enhance the duo's dynamic stage presence. Critics and observers note that Dun's athletic approach to percussion, including drumming atop audience barriers, contributes to ' reputation for innovative and engaging concerts. However, some assessments critique the band's reliance on Dun's percussion within their duo as contributing to sonic limitations, with electronic augmentation substituting for fuller and potentially restricting rhythmic complexity. Music reviews have pointed to repetitive drum patterns and genre-blending that, while energetic, can feel underdeveloped or formulaic across albums. Regarding thematic elements tied to the duo's , including influences in that Dun has supported through his involvement, certain commentators have viewed these as niche or overly introspective, potentially diluting broader artistic appeal in favor of personal authenticity over universal rawness. Others defend such integrations as central to the band's genuine expression, arguing they avoid superficial commercial polish. Dun's has been described in some analyses as serviceable but not revolutionary, fitting the music's needs without pushing technical boundaries.

Public Perception and Minor Controversies

Josh Dun has maintained a largely positive public image among fans and observers, often praised for his energetic live performances, technical drumming skills, and approachable demeanor, with minimal involvement in high-profile scandals compared to other musicians in similar genres. In January 2025, a minor online controversy emerged within the fan community after Dun met a small group of fans for or ice cream following a casual encounter, subsequently offering to drive them to their hotel as a of ; some users misconstrued the interaction as boundary-crossing, leading to accusations of impropriety, though the claims lacked of wrongdoing, no legal actions were pursued, and broader fan consensus dismissed the backlash as an overreaction to ordinary politeness in a supportive context. Earlier, in 2015, unsubstantiated rumors circulated on social platforms alleging Dun's involvement in an during a fan interaction, prompting preemptive on fan forums to curb ; the claims were rapidly debunked through lack of corroborating details or victim statements, with no subsequent investigations or impacts on his career, highlighting how unverified online speculation can amplify minor incidents in dedicated fan spaces. Dun's contributions to ' music videos, featuring stark depictions of psychological turmoil such as ideation and existential dread, have occasionally prompted viewer discomfort or parental concerns over perceived glorification of dark themes, as seen in discussions around early works like the "Car Radio" visualizer; however, these were contextualized by the band as intentional metaphors drawn from Joseph and Dun's personal experiences, intended to foster rather than endorse harm, diffusing criticism through artist explanations and the videos' emphasis on resilience.

Broader Cultural Influence

Dun's rhythmic innovations and onstage energy within have contributed to the duo's role in normalizing conversations about struggles, such as anxiety and depression, among audiences and emerging artists who cite the band's raw lyricism as a catalyst for personal expression. Fans and commentators have noted how Dun's personal accounts of battling anxiety, shared in interviews, amplify the band's message of without resolution, fostering a where listeners engage in forums and creative outlets inspired by these themes. The understated Christian influences in , rooted in Dun's and Joseph's backgrounds, present a resilient to prevailing narratives of existential hopelessness in , with fan analyses highlighting as veiled affirmations of spiritual purpose amid turmoil. This approach resonates in testimonies from believers who interpret tracks as encouraging doubt-conquering rather than secular , distinguishing the duo's output in an industry often dominated by transient cynicism. Dun's enduring partnership with since joining the band in 2011 exemplifies steadfast collaboration amid the music sector's volatility, where short-lived alliances are common; his consistent involvement in live performances and creative synergy has modeled reliability, influencing perceptions of duo dynamics as viable for sustained artistic output. This stability underscores a legacy of mutual commitment over solo pursuits, rare in an era of frequent genre-hopping and disbandments.

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