AYREON mastermind Arjen Anthony Lucassen (65) was knighted by the ad interim mayor of Moerdijk. He was surprised in his house, where he lives mostly as a hermit. He received the title of sir, Ridder in de order van de oranje leeuw, for his outstanding contribution to Dutch music, on an international scale. Besides Ayreon, he was also involved in Vengeance, Stream Of Passion , Star One and The Gentle Storm. In Ayreon he brings out the biggest talents and stars from all over the world in rock and metal.

He declared to the press: “All of the sudden there is this man with a chain in front of your door, I never saw this coming”

Lucassen on social media: 

“This is very strange… and it all still has to sink in… but today I’ve been officially knighted by the King! Yes… it’s SIR Arjen Anthony Lucassen now. All thanks to your support, my loyal subjects! Hugs from the Hipp… no… the KNIGHT!

And eh, oh yeah…. The Human Equation entered #1 in the Dutch CD charts 🥱”