Alexander Arthur Van Halen is a Dutch-American drummer and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen.

Originally, Alex had taken lessons for guitar, while his brother Eddie van Halen practiced drums. After spending time playing Eddie's drum kit, Alex became more skillful at the drums than Eddie. They soon switched instruments.

In 1974 Alex, Eddie, David Lee Roth and Michael Anthony became known as Van Halen. They were signed to Warner Brothers in 1977 and released their first album in 1978.