Whitney Houston has cancelled her Perth concerts. Her promoter Andrew McManus has cited “difficulties in securing rock n roll air ride trucks to transport the touring sound and lighting equipment to Perth”.

It’s bad news for Perth, but it could be a ray of light for fans hoping to see her perform at this year’s Mardi Gras party, on March 6. Her original Perth dates were March 6 and 7, so the cancellations now leave her wide open to appear at the event.

“The shortage of air ride trucks has come about by the AC/DC and George Michael tours taking up 95% of those available,” says McManus’ statement. “For full refunds ticket holders should contact Ticketmaster 136 100. The remainder of the Australian tour will proceed as scheduled.”

Whitney’s last tour date is March 4. Given Mardi Gras’ “no comment” policy on Party talent, Same Same is seeking further comment from Andrew McManus on whether Ms Houston will remain in the country after this date for further appearances.

Houston’s Nothing But Love tour is the diva’s first Australian tour since 1988.