Alexander Arthur van Halen ([?l?k's?nd?r '?rt?r v?n'ha?l?(n)], born May 8, 1953 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch-American musician who is the drummer and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen.
The band was formed in 1974 by Alex Van Halen; his younger brother, Eddie Van Halen; David Lee Roth; and Michael Anthony.
Warner Brothers signed the band in 1977, and its debut album was released in 1978.
Alex and Eddie Van Halen are the only members of Van Halen who have been in the band throughout its existence.