Legendary VAN HALEN drummer Alexander Van Halen has been awarded the Royal Decoration 'Ridder in de Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw' (Knight in the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands). The honor, recognized for contributions to the arts, was conferred in Nijmegen on Tuesday, September 1, by Mayor Hubert Bruls at the Berchmanianum, Radboud University. Alex Van Halen, born in Amsterdam and raised in Nijmegen with his brother Edward, moved to Pasadena, California in 1962, where he and Eddie formed the band MAMMOTH before renaming it VAN HALEN with David Lee Roth.

The group became one of the most influential rock acts of the 1980s, achieving hits such as "Panama," "Jump," and "Hot For Teacher," and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. " His innovative double-bass pedal work on "Hot For Teacher" has been widely cited as influential in drumming history. Alex's memoir, "Brothers," was released in October 2024 via HarperCollins.

The book offers an intimate account of the Van Halen brothers' relationship, their family life, and their shared journey in music. Eddie Van Halen passed away in October 2020 from cancer complications. The award recognizes Alex's lifelong contributions to music and the arts, affirming the cultural significance of his work.