Alexander Arthur Van Halen (born May 8, 1953) is an American musician, best known for being the drummer and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. The band was formed in 1972 by Alex Van Halen; his younger brother, Eddie Van Halen; David Lee Roth; and Mark Stone under the name Mammoth before adding Michael Anthony in 1974 and changing their name to Van Halen. Warner Bros. signed the band in 1977, and its debut album was released a year later. Prior to their disbandment in 2020, following Eddie's death, Van Halen released eleven more albums, and the brothers were the only two constant members of the band.