“This Is Gonna Be Lit” — Richard Marx Confirms The Minnesota State Fair Date Is Hiding Rod Stewart’s New Duet Debut, And What Marx Hinted About The Setlist Blew Up Social Media

Sometimes, the biggest music news doesn’t drop via a press release or a flashy Super Bowl ad. Sometimes, it slips out in a moment of genuine excitement, a tease that sends ripples through the entire fanbase. This week, that moment belongs to Richard Marx and the legendary Rod Stewart, and the epicenter of the earthquake is, shockingly, the Minnesota State Fair.

In a revelation that has turned a standard tour stop into the hottest ticket of the summer, Marx has all but confirmed that his upcoming Grandstand appearance isn’t just a solo show—it is the launchpad for a historic, secret collaboration.

The Hint Heard ‘Round the World

It started with a seemingly innocent interaction. Richard Marx, the king of the 80s ballad and a songwriter with unmatched pedigree, was discussing his upcoming summer dates. When the topic of the Minnesota State Fair came up—a venue already buzzing because of Rod Stewart’s farewell tour announcement—Marx couldn’t keep the secret contained any longer.

“This is gonna be lit,” he reportedly teased, a phrase that immediately caught the attention of younger fans. But it was what followed that broke the internet.

Marx hinted that his setlist for the Fair wasn’t just his own. He alluded to a “crossover moment” that fans have been dreaming of for decades. He suggested that a certain “Scottish legend” wouldn’t just be playing after him or before him, but with him.

The Secret Duet: A World Debut

The industry whispers are now screaming: Rod Stewart and Richard Marx are debuting a new duet live on stage.

This isn’t just a cover song. Sources close to the production suggest this is a brand-new track, or perhaps a radically reimagined version of a classic that bridges their two distinct styles—Marx’s smooth, melodic pop-rock and Stewart’s raspy, soulful swagger.

The concept is genius. Both men are storytellers. Both men understand the power of a love song. And both men know how to work a crowd.

“The chemistry is undeniable,” an insider commented. “They’ve been friends for years, but they’ve never shared a microphone like this. Minnesota is going to be the test run for something global.”

Why The Minnesota State Fair?

Why drop a bomb like this at a State Fair? As we covered recently, Rod Stewart has already redefined the Grandstand Stage as a place of legacy and intimacy.

For Marx, choosing this venue for the debut is a masterstroke. The Minnesota State Fair is known for its die-hard music lovers. It’s a “music first” crowd. There is no better place to test a new song than in front of 13,000 people who are there for the music, not just the scene.

It transforms the night from a “concert” into an “event.” It’s the kind of “I was there” moment that fans talk about for twenty years.

The Setlist Hint That Blew Up Social Media

If the duet wasn’t enough, Marx dropped another nugget of information that has fans spiraling. He hinted that the setlist for this specific show would be a “timeline of our lives.”

Social media sleuths immediately went to work decoding this phrase.

• The Mashups: Fans are predicting a mashup of “Right Here Waiting” and “Have I Told You Lately.” Can you imagine the emotional weight of those two anthems woven together?

• The Rock Edge: Others are hoping for a high-energy collaboration on “Young Turks” or “Don’t Mean Nothing,” seeing the two legends trade guitar licks and vocals.

• The Unreleased Vault: The most exciting theory is that they wrote something together during the lockdown years that has never seen the light of day—until now.

Twitter (X) exploded with the hashtag #MarxStewart2025. Users are posting dream setlists, and ticket resale sites saw a massive spike in traffic within minutes of the rumors circulating.

A Celebration of Longevity

What makes this story so compelling is that it isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about vitality. Richard Marx and Rod Stewart aren’t resting on their laurels. They are creating new moments. They are proving that rock and roll doesn’t have an expiration date.

“It’s gonna be lit” isn’t just slang here; it’s a promise. It’s a promise of high energy, real instruments, and vocals that have stood the test of time.

Don’t Miss History

If you were on the fence about grabbing a ticket to the Grandstand this year, consider this your warning. You aren’t just buying a seat to hear “Endless Summer Nights.” You are buying a seat to the world premiere of a collaboration between two titans.

When the lights go down and Richard Marx invites Rod Stewart back onto the stage—not for a bow, but for a song—the Grandstand is going to shake.

Be ready. The tea has been spilled, the vibe is set, and the setlist is legendary.