Van Halen Drummer Alex Van Halen Knighted in the Netherlands

Drumming icon Alex Van Halen has been awarded the highest civilian honor in the Netherlands, being knighted as a member of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. This prestigious accolade recognizes outstanding achievements in various fields, including sciences, sports, and the arts. At the ceremony, Van Halen expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the role of his cousin in the process while emphasizing the importance of such institutions in adding dignity and purpose to one's endeavors.

Despite the honor, Van Halen admitted that its validity is subjective, but he is determined to live up to it. The knighting took place in Nijmegen, the city where Van Halen and his brother Eddie grew up before relocating to Los Angeles in 1962. Following the ceremony, Van Halen signed the Book of the City, an official register of prominent visitors.

The city of Nijmegen noted that Van Halen maintains a connection with the city, and Nijmegen, in turn, values his band's significant musical legacy. They highlighted how Van Halen's distinctive drumming style has inspired musicians across generations. Van Halen is currently collaborating with Steve Lukather to complete the final recordings of Van Halen's music, made prior to Eddie's demise. The completion of this project remains unspecified.