Josh Freese has been part of the DW family since 1985, first crossing paths with Don Lombardi at NAMM and becoming an endorsee at just 12 years old.

Josh had long been regarded as one of the most versatile and in-demand freelance drummers in the music industry. Known for his stylistic breadth across rock, punk, and new wave, he demonstrated an exceptional ability to integrate seamlessly into established bands, bringing both technical mastery and musical sensitivity. His adaptability was notably evident when he joined Foo Fighters for two years following the passing of Taylor Hawkins, stepping into one of rock’s most visible roles with distinction.

Over the course of his career, Freese collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Michael Bublé, Suicidal Tendencies, Nine Inch Nails, Glen Campbell, Sting, The Vandals, Avril Lavigne, Danny Elfman, Katy Perry, M83, Guns N’ Roses, The Replacements, Weezer, and many others. In addition to his extensive session work, he released solo recordings and co-wrote material with Queens of the Stone Age, Guns N’ Roses, Sting, The Vandals, A Perfect Circle, and DEVO.

Josh Freese DW Lifetime Achievement Award Speech - NAMM show 2026

From performing at Disneyland at the age of 12 to recording and touring with some of rock music’s most celebrated figures, Freese’s career reflected both longevity and artistic excellence. Commenting on his impact, Sting noted, “There’s a truism that ‘a band is only as good as its drummer.’ Any band that Josh graced with his presence on the kit was fortunate indeed.”

DW50 Josh Freese

The Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Lifetime Achievement Awards have been installed since 2016, when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Skunk Baxter won the first. In the next years several drummers were honored and installed as well. Josh Freese and Karl Perazzo are the fourth and fifth drummers receiving the Roland (and now DW) Lifetime Achievement Award.

2018
Thomas Dolby
Steve Vai

2020
Omar Hakim
Yngwie Malmsteen

2022
Gary Numan
Jim Keltner

2025
Patrice Rushen
Sheila E.
Steve Stevens

2026
Prince Paul
Adam Granduciel
Josh Freese
Karl Perazzo

DW Founder Don Lombardi remarked, "I've known Josh since he was a young teenager and have had the privilege of witnessing the many accomplishments he has achieved throughout his life. Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award is richly deserved, as he has made an extraordinary contribution to the music industry and to drummers worldwide."

Chris Lombardi, President and CEO of DW, added, "Josh has been a valued member of the DW family for more than 40 years, and I have been proud to call him a friend throughout his entire tenure as a DW artist. It is a true honor to present him with this prestigious award."