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Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora keeps rocking

Richie Sambora had a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. After more than 30 years in the rock ’n’ roll business, the Bon Jovi guitarist is still grinding away, working on another solo effort and teaming up with band mate and longtime friend Jon Bon Jovi for a new album.

That’s why he tries to give back.

Sambora, 52, will team up with legendary singer/songwriter Richie Supa to host the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County 13th Annual “Bikers Bash” at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Dec. 9.

“I’m the kind of guy who always tries to aim at helping children,’’ says Sambora from Los Angeles. “Every time I get involved in charities it’s to help kids, whether they’re abusing drugs or runaways, or in trouble somehow.’’

He thinks charity work gives him a better perspective on life.

“You see these kids in danger,’’ he says, remembering a trip to Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. “I realize how blessed I am to have a healthy child. Knock on wood.’’

Daughter Ava — with ex wife Heather Locklear — is now 14. The two are headed to Hawaii together for the holidays.

“It’s so remote is what I like about it. I’m a beach guy.’’

But that doesn’t mean the New Jersey native can stay still for long (“10 days of vacation and I’m good’’). Though touring can be tough, at least Bon Jovi isn’t on a bus.

“It’s nice to be off the road for a change. We figured out a while ago that we get around the world a lot quicker on private planes. Our last tour lasted 18 months, flying virtually every day,’’ he says. “We did 50 countries. Not cities. I mean, if you ask someone to name 50 countries, I think they’d be hard pressed!’’

Sambora loves the traveling part of the job.

“Being in America isn’t old-hat — it’s where we’re from —but I get excited to be in other parts of the world like Athens and Croatia, which were quite cool,’’ says Sambora. “I’m a sightseer. I go see the sights and museums. I’m into that kind of thing.’’

Another thing that never gets old: Seeing the Bon Jovi faithful come out en masse.

“Rock and roll is a contact sport,’’ he says. “I enjoy playing the tunes that really get the people going.’’

Audiences still go crazy when they jam classics like Wanted Dead or Alive, It’s My Life and Living on a Prayer.

Give the people what they want is the group’s motto.

“I’m always asked, ‘Does it ever get old?’ Well, I tell you what: It’s like having sex with 70,000 people at a time. If you ask me, Do I go back to my hotel room by myself and play Living on a Prayer, no. But I’ll probably pull it out if someone’s going to enjoy it.’’

When Sambora isn’t traveling the globe or making music he works on a women’s fashion line called Nikki Rich, formerly White Trash Beautiful. “Fashion and music go together,’’ says Sambora of the clothes that he calls “sexy and chic.’’

Life’s good for the music man who is dating actress Denise Richards.

“I’m a lucky guy. I don’t take for granted for one minute what I do.’’

Madeleine Marr

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