NEWSWEEK: Security here’s pretty crazy, right?

Dave Grohl: It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life. Last night we were talking about how horrible it must be to be Chelsea Clinton going out to dinner. We’re constantly flanked by security. I have a sign, actually. If I tug on my ear, they’ll take out the individual that’s breached my perimeter. The other night we went to a figure skating competition and after spending 45 minutes going through security, a local policeman said, ‘This is the safest you’ll ever be.’ And you know what? He’s right. So I’m scared to go home, actually. I’d rather just stay at the Olympics for the rest of my life.

You’re a figure skating fan?

I don’t really follow figure skating. I don’t follow it anymore. Dorothy Hamill dissed me for an autograph once when I was about 10 years old. So I’ve boycotted figure skating. That’s been about 23 years. I’ve finally forgiven her.

What was it about watching figure skating live that you enjoyed?

Watching it live you get a better sense of the synchronicity and the grace and the power and the complexity of what people are doing. It’s very arousing.

How are you enjoying the city?

We’ve had a blast. People here don’t seem to be annoyed by the Olympics too much. I’ve spent a little bit of time in Salt Lake City before. I had friends who lived here and I would snowboard here every once in awhile, so, it’s a pretty cool scene. There are bizarre restrictions as far as drinking and clubbing go, but it seems like they’ve loosened up for the Olympics, knowing that so many people were coming into town. It’s not so strict that you can’t have a good time.

What events have you seen out here?

I’m very happy about the woman who won the women’s halfpipe [Kelly Clark]. I got kind of choked up watching that on television, ‘cause I know the snowboarding community’s really tight. And it’s not a competitive sport. I think most of the riders ride for the love of riding. The riders that I know are all more concerned with getting as much out of life and as much out of the hill as they can. Seeing the girl’s family so proud really got me choked up. That was the first gold medal America won. Just goes to show that the sport is a lot more legitimate than most people think.

Are you feeling more patriotic here?

I’m always pretty patriotic. I always have been. I grew up in Virginia. You have to have an American flag in your bedroom.

How are you tailoring your set list for the audience you’re playing for here?

We’re going to try to play the songs that’ll keep us warm. No ballads. I’d hate for the tears to turn to ice on anyone’s face.