Josh Dun

Josh Dun – Life, Career, and Musical Legacy

Josh Dun (born June 18, 1988) is the American drummer and percussionist best known as half of the duo Twenty One Pilots. Explore his biography, musical style, collaborations, and influence on modern alt-pop/rock.

Introduction

Joshua William Dun—better known as Josh Dun—is an American musician and drummer, widely recognized for his role in the genre-bending duo Twenty One Pilots. His energetic drumming, stage presence, and willingness to experiment across genres have made him a key figure in alternative pop/rock over the past decade.

In this article, we’ll trace his background, career milestones, stylistic traits, personal life, and what makes him stand out in the contemporary music scene.

Early Life and Family

• Josh Dun was born on June 18, 1988, in Columbus, Ohio.

• His parents are Laura Lee Dun (née McCollum), who worked as a hospice social worker, and William Earl “Bill” Dun, a physical therapy assistant.

• He has two sisters (Ashley, Abigail) and a brother (Jordan).

• Interestingly, Dun has some Japanese heritage: his great-great-great-grandparents include Edwin Dun, a U.S. rancher and diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and his Japanese wife, Yama.

Musical Beginnings

• He initially took trumpet lessons in school before transitioning to drums.

• Dun was largely self-taught on drums. One method he used was imitating the beats he heard on records via an electronic drum kit.

• As a youth, he faced restrictions on music: his parents enforced strict rules on what kinds of music he could listen to. He often snuck into music stores to ask for album suggestions and would hide albums (e.g. Green Day – Dookie) under his bed.

• Before his rise to fame, Dun worked at Guitar Center in Columbus for approximately three years.

These early constraints and self-driven learning contributed to his determination and musical voice.

Career and Achievements

Early Gigs: House of Heroes

• In March 2010, Dun joined the band House of Heroes as a touring drummer while their regular drummer, Colin Rigsby, took a break.

• He continued with them until around October 2010, when Rigsby returned.

This early touring experience served as a bridge into his next major chapter.

Twenty One Pilots

• Twenty One Pilots formed in 2009 with Tyler Joseph as lead vocalist and original members Chris Salih and Nick Thomas.

• In 2011, both Salih and Thomas left the band. Salih, who had been a co-worker of Dun’s at Guitar Center, invited him to try drumming with the band. Dun accepted, abandoning plans to move to Nashville, and became the band’s full-time drummer.

• While he was credited on their Regional at Best album (2011), he did not perform on it—his joining came after much of the work was completed.

• The band signed with Fueled by Ramen in April 2012.

• Their third album, Vessel, was released January 8, 2013, and reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200.

• Their breakthrough came with Blurryface (2015), propelled by hits like “Stressed Out”, “Ride”, and “Heathens”.

• Later albums include Trench (2018) and Scaled and Icy (2021).

• In more recent years, they have continued evolving: in 2024 Dun made his directorial debut by directing the music video for “Backslide,” a single from their Clancy album.

• The band’s output continues: their album Breach was announced in 2025, with the single “Drum Show” marking Dun’s first time contributing lead vocals.

Awards & Recognition

• Twenty One Pilots have been nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning one.

• At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, the band won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Stressed Out.”

• Dun is often celebrated for his technical and performance prowess in drumming circles—some profiles label him a “drumming innovator.”

Musical Style & Influence

Drumming Voice & Technique

• Dun is known for high energy, dynamic playing, tight grooves, and ability to shift between styles—from rock to hip hop to pop.

• He often incorporates electronic elements, triggers, samples, and percussive textures in conjunction with acoustic drums.

• His influence draws from punk, alternative, pop, and experimental genres; in his upbringing he referenced punk albums like . . .And Out Come the Wolves (Rancid), NOFX, and Dookie (Green Day).

Stage Presence & Persona

• On stage, Dun is known for theatricality: acrobatic drumming setups, drum risers, flipping drumsticks, and visual flair.

• His rapport with Tyler Joseph is notable: the band’s performances often emphasize duality, contrast, and narrative interplay.

Collaborations & Other Work

• Dun has collaborated with other artists, contributing drums or percussion features.

• He has also ventured into directing for the band (e.g. Backslide).

Personal Life

• Josh Dun married actress and singer Debby Ryan on December 31, 2019, in Austin, Texas.

• The couple first began dating in 2013, had a hiatus, and reunited.

• In September 2025, they publicly announced they are expecting their first child.

• The two live in Columbus, Ohio, where they undertook design of their home—including a unique home studio setup.

• Dun also carries tattoos symbolizing his journey: he has an “X” tattoo behind his right ear (matching one done by Tyler Joseph) to represent their connection to Columbus fans, and the name “Tyler” above his left knee—these were gifts between the bandmates.

• He is publicly supportive of social movements such as Black Lives Matter, and occasionally speaks about justice and unity in interviews.

Lessons & Reflections

1. Self-teaching can yield mastery
   Dun’s journey from self-taught drummer to one of the most recognized percussionists in alternative music underscores the value of dedication, listening, and experimentation.

2. Genre fluidity enriches musical identity
   The way he shifts across styles—rock, hip-hop, pop, electronic—proves that boundaries can be extended, not limiting.

3. Collaboration and contrast strengthen artistry
   His partnership with Tyler Joseph is built on dialogue—musical and visual—and their tensions and balance define the band’s appeal.

4. Performance is part of storytelling
   His stage presence shows that music isn’t just audio—it’s visual, emotional, kinetic.

5. Authenticity resonates
   Despite fame, his background (working at Guitar Center, sneaking to music stores) and transparent roots make his success feel earned—and relatable.

Conclusion

Josh Dun has become more than just a drummer: he is a creative force, performer, collaborator, and part of a duo whose blend of vulnerability and ambition has resonated with millions. His path—grounded in self-learning, creative risk, and evolving collaboration—offers insight into how contemporary musicians can shape sound, narrative, and live experience.