Alex Van Halen, drummer for the iconic rock band Van Halen, has been knighted in Nijmegen, the Dutch city where he spent his early childhood. The royal distinction, an honor within the Order of the Dutch Lion, was bestowed upon him by Mayor Bruls in a special ceremony. Van Halen, who now resides in the United States, traveled to the Netherlands for the event, attributing the arrangement to his niece. The band Van Halen, co-founded with his brother Eddie, enjoyed a nearly fifty-year run, becoming renowned for hits like "Jump" and "Runnin' with the Devil." Eddie Van Halen, considered one of the world’s greatest guitarists, passed away in 2020. The city of Nijmegen recognizes Van Halen’s continued connection to the region and celebrates the band’s legacy, awarding the knighthood for his “impressive career.” The Order of the Dutch Lion, established in 1815, is reserved for individuals with “very exceptional achievements.”