Drum Workshop Inc. (DW) will honor Josh Freese with its Lifetime Achievement Award at the NAMM Show 2026. The presentation occurs at the DW Roland booth, Room 202 on the second level, at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23, 2026.
The award tributes a career featuring DW drums on hundreds of albums across an array of musical genres with the world’s biggest bands. Freese has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile in-demand freelance drummers. He is known for his ability to slot into established rock groups and sound like he has always been there.
This talent was tested recently when he joined the Foo Fighters for two years following the death of Taylor Hawkins. Freese’s musical range includes working with Michael Buble, Suicidal Tendencies, Nine Inch Nails, Glen Campbell, Sting, The Vandals, Avril Lavigne, Danny Elfman, Katy Perry, M83, DEVO, Guns N’ Roses, The Replacements and Weezer. He has recorded solo records and co-written songs with Queens of the Stone Age, A Perfect Circle and others.
From playing drums at Disneyland at age 12 to gracing the stage and studio with rock music’s elite, the award recognizes his exceptional career.
Sting said, Any band that Josh graced with his presence on the kit was fortunate indeed. Don Lombardi, DW founder, said, I’ve known Josh since he was a young teenager and have had the privilege of witnessing all the accomplishments he has achieved throughout his lifetime. Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award is well deserved, as he has made an incredible contribution to the music industry and drummers around the world. Chris Lombardi, DW president and CEO, said, Josh has been a true member of the DW family for over 40 years, and Ihave had the privilege of calling him a friend throughout his entire tenure as a DW artist. It is a true honor to present him with this prestigious award.
Drum Workshop joined the Roland family of brands in October 2022. More information is available at dwdrums.com.
For more information, visit roland.com.
