(Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for CMT)

Kid Rock has apparently launched his rumoured run for the US Senate – and opened with an anti-LGBT rant.

Following in the footsteps of Donald Trump’s election, musician Kid Rock has been rumoured to be making a bid for the Senate.

The outspoken Republican, real name Robert Ritchie, is reportedly planning to run in the US Senate election in Michigan next November, seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Debbie Stabenow.

Polling has shown he has massive support among the GOP base, despite his lack of experience or policy knowledge or stated political agenda.

Mr Ritchie opened his apparent campaign this week with a concert in Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

At the concert, the singer was introduced as “the next Senator of the great state of Michigan, Kid Rock”.

Kid Rock he did not officially announce a campaign following the announcement.

Instead, in a four-minute speech he made time for a diatribe on LGBT rights.

He said: “And why these days is everything so gay? Gay rights. Transgender this and that. I say let gay folks get married if they want and I’m not even close to a death trap.

“But things shouldn’t be this complicated. And, no, you don’t get to choose, because whatever you have between your legs should determine the bathroom that you use.”

The comment was loudly cheered.

He went on to praise Jesus and ask God to “fight the tyrant evils” at the event.

He added: “It’s no secret we’re divided and we all should take some blame. We should be ashamed because we all seem scared to call [Jesus] by his name.

“So, please almighty Jesus, if you’re looking down tonight, please guide us with your wisdom and give us the strength to fight.

“To fight the tyrant evils that lurk here and abroad and remind us all we are still just one nation under God.”

In a Trump-style move, Mr Ritchie refused the local newspaper access to the event because they had previously published critical coverage of him.

Rock has come under fire in the past for homophobic comments.

In a 2015 interview, he said he doesn’t want to marry gay people.

He also claimed that the rap-rock genre of music is “pretty gay” – and told LGBT critics to “go f*** themselves”

He said: “I am definitely a Republican on fiscal issues and the military, but I lean to the middle on social issues (…) as an ordained minister I don’t look forward to marrying gay people, but I’m not opposed to it.”

The 46-year-old went on to defend using the word “gay” as a pejorative – insisting that he would never use “politically correct” language.

“Rap-rock [music] was what people wanted at the time, and they still love those songs at shows.

“But it turned into a lot of bullshit and it turned out to be pretty gay.

“If someone says you can’t say “gay” like that you tell them to go fuck themselves.

“You’re not going to get anything politically correct out of me.”

It isn’t the first time he used anti-gay taunts, claiming in 2009 – as a grown man, aged 38 – that Twitter was “gay”.