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Michael Von Knorring was the drummer on the 'Eclipse' album and the track 'Leviathan' from 'Fire & Ice'. Michael took a break from music after this time due to ill health and has never really been able to get back into music. At the time of this interview (September 2002) Michael was playing in a new project Edge Of Time but again sadly had to retire from this group to his hearing.

Michael, what age did you start getting interested in drums and who were your early influences?
I was six but for real as a teen, Ian Paice was the first influence, also Cozy Powell and John Bonham.

What were your early bands and what do you remember from that time?
Public was my first real band, and we had a great time touring Sweden.

How did you hook up with Yngwie?
Goran Edman told me Yngwie wanted a new drummer, so i had to do audition. Mats Olausson and Svante Henryson was also at the same audition. Yngwie could not say, guys you got the job, because he had to audition some guys in London, but after a week i got a phone call from Yng manager that said you got it, come to Miami.

Can you remember much about any audition you may have had for Yngwie's (then) new band?
If you mean the actual audition then 1989, it was nervous but well rehearsed, i was in for: i want the job. It was so great finaly play with Yng after 4 years waiting for the moment.

'Eclipse' is often quoted as one of Yngwie's favourite albums. What do you think you contributed to that album?
My heavy play and i wanted it to be great.

What are your fondest memories of making 'Eclipse'?
When engineer Tom Fletcher (as a rocket) run out from mix room to me in recording room, and was excited about my play. That was great to have that kind of influence on such a great guy like him. And of course that Yngwie liked my play.

Were there any tracks that you had problems with, or ones that for some reason took a while to get right to your satisfaction?
No problems at all only eclipse instrumental i had to work harder.

Your drumming on that album is very solid, where you pleased with your drumming on the album?
Yes very, and i did not now untill recently, that im ranked beside Cozy Powell (in Japan) as Yngwies best drummers

How long did it take to record the drum tracks?
If i remember correct 5-7 days maybe less.

Did Yngwie give you a rough idea of what he wanted in the drum department or where you able to suggest your own ideas?
He gave me rough, and then i ad my play. He wanted more details , i wanted less and heavy, and finally he went for my play.

How much of the 'Eclipse' tour did you do? Why were you unable to do the whole tour?
I only did 5 concerts, because i got sick (ear problems and vertigo) it was sad but there was nothing I could do at the time.

You also drummed on 'Leviathan' from 'Fire & Ice' (one of my fave YJM instrumentals), the groove is one bad ass pounding delight there, how come you only drummed on the one track on 'Fire & Ice'?
It was meant to be comeback but I only did the 1 instrumental, it was too soon to play again.

When was 'Leviathan' recorded?
1990 in Stockholm

How did you get on with Yngwie? Did you leave on good terms?
Very well, no probs at all, only we where both sad I had to leave, there's never been any hard feelings between us.

Many different stories have gone around about people experiences with Yngwie, how would you sum up your time with the Maestro?
Yes many musicians have problems with him, never me, Mats Olausson is a pro on diplomatic mode, thats the answer working with Maestro, Mats did 12 years, he knows. I guess I had the same cool diplomatic style, thats why no probs.

What drum setup did you use for the Yngwie stuff?
Ludwig drums : double 26 inch basdrums 8 toms 8 inch to 18 inch snare and Paiste cymbals also Ludwig sticks and heads

What have you been doing between the YJM sessions and your new project with Chris Heaven - 'Edge Of Time'?
First years ot the 1990's I was sick, I then started to play a little in coverbands, and the more time has gone on, I started to feel better, so now I'm ready to go for it again.

Official website
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