Van Halen Drummer Alex Van Halen Knighted in the Netherlands
Van Halen drummer Alex Van Halen has been knighted in the Netherlands, appointed a member of the Order of the Netherlands Lion, the country's highest civilian honour for citizens who have excelled in fields such as science, sport and the arts. The recognition ties Van Halen back to his roots in Nijmegen, the Dutch city where he and his late brother Eddie Van Halen grew up before the family emigrated to Los Angeles in 1962, and reflects the lasting influence of his drumming style on generations of musicians.
The ceremony took place in Nijmegen, where Van Halen also signed the Book of the City, a register kept for notable visitors. The city praised his "immense" musical legacy and distinctive style, while Van Halen credited his cousin with organising the honour and said such institutions add "dignity and gravity" to people's work. He is currently collaborating with Steve Lukather to complete the final Van Halen recordings made before Eddie Van Halen's death, though no release date has been set.
- Alex Van Halen knighted in the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Honoured in Nijmegen, his childhood home before moving to the US
- Still working with Steve Lukather on unreleased final Van Halen recordings
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Van Halen is an American rock band formed by brothers Alex and Eddie Van Halen, who grew up in Nijmegen in the Netherlands before moving with their family to Los Angeles in 1962. Alex played drums, while Eddie became known for his guitar playing; the band went on to influence many rock musicians.
The Order of the Netherlands Lion is a Dutch civilian honour recognising people for significant contributions in areas including the arts, science and sport. Nijmegen is the brothers’ childhood city, so the recognition connects Alex Van Halen’s musical career with his Dutch upbringing.