A father-son outing launched Steven Mancini's musical career.

Douglas Magness, a guitarist in a garage band, took Steven, his then-12-year-old stepson, to the civic center for a double dose of heavy metal. Black Sabbath headed the bill, with KISS as an opener, and Mancini was enthralled.

"As soon as he could, he picked up a guitar and started playing," Magness said. "He was self-taught."

The Providence-born musician grew up with his step-dad's favorite artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Steppenwolf. Along the way, he picked up some other favorites, like B.B. King and Eddie Van Halen.

Over a period of 11 years, Mancini, 39, went to work in the seafood department at the Stop & Shop grocery store on Manton Avenue, started a band, and married Andrea Jacavone.

The couple worked part-time at The Station in West Warwick, checking IDs and doing other work.

When Steven Mancini, of Johnston, started a new band, Fathead, his cousin Keith joined it. Fathead became a regular band at The Station and opened for Great White the night of the fire.

After the gig, Steven and Andrea Mancini were planning to leave for Disney World with his mother and stepfather.

"We were father and son and also the best of friends," Magness said. "Steve was living his dream."