Alex Van Halen Honored with Dutch Knighthood

“I think institutions like this are important in people’s lives because they add dignity and gravity to what we do,” said the musician

Alex Van Halen has been knighted as a member of the Order of the Netherlands Lion.

The legendary drummer received the Netherlands’ highest civilian honor in Nijmegen, the city where he and his brother Eddie grew up before moving to Los Angeles in 1962. During the ceremony, the characteristically humble Van Halen said, “My cousin organized most of this, but I’m deeply grateful. I believe institutions like this add dignity and gravity to our work. Whether or not it’s truly deserved is another matter; what matters is that we can live up to it. After all, you need something to strive for.”

Van Halen shared photos on social media taken by the city of Nijmegen, which highlighted his remarkable career and bold sound that has inspired generations. He was also pictured signing Nijmegen’s Book of the City, a register of notable figures that includes Bruce Springsteen and King Willem‑Alexander.

In October 2024, Van Halen released his memoir Brothers, chronicling his life with Eddie from their childhood to the end of the original Van Halen lineup in 1984. “I was with him from day one,” Alex writes in the book. “We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We had a record player, an 800‑square‑foot house, our parents, and a strong work ethic. Later we shared the back of a tour bus, struggles with alcoholism, the triumphs of success, fatherhood and unclehood, and countless hours in the studio — more than I’ve spent on anything else in life. We developed a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime.”

Source link