The Thriller singer was in town for a sell-out gig at the Southside venue as part of his HIStory tour on July 19, 1997. At the time delighted boyband singer Stephen expressed his joy when manager Louis Walsh managed to score VIP tickets to the gig.
The pair watched the concert backstage close to where Michael's own family were situated, with
Jackson's mother Katherine also posing for a picture with the young Dubliner.
However it was the meeting with his long-time inspiration Michael
Jackson that really left Stephen on a high. Posing proudly here alongside his idol, Stephen looks the picture of happiness as he and
Jackson smile for the cameras.