The Jack & Diane star insists he won't be boycotting any Indiana shows, but in a new Indianapolis Star op-ed piece, he blasts the lawmakers behind the legislation, which critics fear will legalise discrimination based on sexual and gender identity.

Mellencamp writes, "I am not questioning the sincerity of those who believe they have acted in the interests of religious freedom, but I am resolutely stating my opposition to this misnamed and ill-conceived law. It is discriminatory, hurtful, and a stain on Indiana's national reputation."

He adds, "I have thought seriously about cancelling my upcoming shows, not wanting the resulting tax revenues from ticket sales, concessions and the like to help fill the same government coffers that would enforce this terrible law, but then I realised that I would be letting our government divide us again, keeping me apart from my most important audience: My Indiana fans who have been there for me from the very beginning. Our evenings together will be about music, and hopefully this situation will be made right by the time I see you in May."

Mellencamp isn't the first musician to speak out about the new law - Wilco initially cancelled an upcoming Indianapolis show because of the legislation, and Miley Cyrus took to social media to blast the "unevolved and unjust" act. Wilco have since decided to play the state show after Pence ruled he would review the act.