10 drum performances that prove Josh Dun can really play anything
Josh Dun, one-half of twenty one pilots, has done impressive drum covers onstage and offstage with Tyler Joseph, other artists and on his own. He’s also filled in on drums for fellow scene vocalists with ease. Undoubtedly, he can play anything with anyone.
It’s safe to say that he can tackle everything from a kid’s show theme song all the way to one of the most impressive scene covers mashups to date. He even plays drums and trumpet on the same track a few times.
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Check out some of Dun’s most iconic performances outside of twenty one pilots below.
Suite Life On Deck Disney cover
@joshuadunmy vows to debby♬ original sound – joshua dun
In a hilarious tribute to his new bride, Debby Ryan, Dun reimagined the ska-centric theme song for Suite Life On Deck, a Disney Channel original show starring Ryan and twins Cole and Dylan Sprouse as they went from hotel life to cruise ship life. Dun shared the drum cover on TikTok and made the nostalgic childhood show theme song one that’s worthy of a ska-punk playlist.
The “MegaMix” cover
Dun and the Chainsmokers‘ Matt McGuire teamed up to create the ultimate mashup cover of their favorite songs, featuring a fusion Underoath, Paramore, Linkin Park, Jay-Z, N.E.R.D., A$AP Rocky, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Foo Fighters. The project lasts almost 20 minutes, and it’s worth every second. And just in case you were wondering, yes, Dun is actually wearing shorts in this video.
This APMAs drum collab
Do you remember when Dun, Sum 41‘s Frank Zummo and Adrian Young (No Doubt, DREAMCAR) performed together on the 2017 APMAs stage? They covered the likes of Queen‘s “We Will Rock You,” Beastie Boys‘ “So What’cha Want,” Smash Mouth‘s “All Star” (where Dun actually played the trumpet), No Doubt’s “Hella Good,” Sum 41’s “Fat Lip” and twenty one pilots’ “Ride.” During the awards ceremony, TOP also won for having the “Most Dedicated Fan Base.”
This cover of the White Stripes
During live shows in 2019, Dun played the most famous song at pep rallies and pro-sports events: “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. Fans went crazy for the iconic pulsing kick drum as it introduced TOP’s “Morph.” This cover is sure to make Jack White proud.
Playing with blink-182
Dun had his dreams come true when he got to play “Mutt” with blink-182 as if he was fellow drummer and friend Travis Barker. He had the chance to play with the band in Los Angeles at The Forum Aug. 8, 2019. Surely, this was an epic moment for the many fans who gathered that night.
A wild mashup
twenty one pilots always have to throw in a cover during their tours. On the Emotional Roadshow, they decided to do a “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber and “Jump Around” by House Of Pain mashup. Of course, Dun had to have a Rose and Jack moment as he played the trumpet, too. For this mashup, the duo were joined by MUTEMATH, their supporting act of the tour.
This Beatles cover
Max Frost and AWOLNATION opened TOP’s Bandito tour and joined them for a cover of “Hey Jude” by the Beatles, one of the most iconic classic-rock songs ever. Dun carried the tune slow and steady but added his own spin to give it a little update. Fans were singing along with this awe-inspiring cover.
A cover with Post Malone
In a spectacular crossover event, Post Malone joined twenty one pilots at Reading and Leeds 2019 to assist them with Oasis‘ “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” Dun bought a sweet beat to the lovely slow tune. There’s only one more wish we have: Play “Wonderwall”!
A classic song cover featuring cool cameos
Frost and AWOLNATION also joined twenty one pilots onstage to perform Goo Goo Dolls‘ best-known hit, “Iris.” Dun’s playing revealed how he still maintains high levels of energy and drive, even during a ballad like this. Only this group could excite all of Gen Z about this ’90s hit.
Working with Halsey
We all know Halsey is a scene queen despite being one of the most popular mainstream artists right now. Of course, it only made sense to team up with Dun at least once. In this case, he played “Roman Holiday” from BADLANDS with her, adding his own unique spin for Lollapalooza 2015. Maybe they’ll work together again when it’s safe to collaborate in person. Fingers crossed!
Which Josh Dun cover is your favorite? Do you have a cover we missed? Sound off in the comments below!
