Mars performed the song , aside from the tour , at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards ( VMA 's ) and 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards ( EMA 's ) . On the latter , he recreated his provocative music video with Nicole “ The Pole ” Williams . During these performances there was a green color scheme with a neon sign pulsating in the background with the same color . At the 2013 MTV VMA 's , Mars was standing high up on a platform , while wearing a " leopard-print button-down " . Whilst there was a screen with a giant gorilla face behind him and lasers firing through the stage . He kicked his mic stand over and over , while his band was jamming along . Meanwhile , some pyrotechnics " shooting off at the climax " and " blasts of fire erupted during the chorus " . At the 2013 MTV EMA 's , Mars had a similar style too Lou Reed and aviator sunglasses . On this performance , his face was " superimposed " over Williams dancing around a stripper pole with " acrobatic ease " and " breathtaking moves in time to the song " . During the bridge of the song , the singer played a guitar solo while Williams stand in the crab position thrusting her hips towards Mars ' guitar in the same tempo . The song was the final act on both set lists of The Moonshine Jungle Tour ( 2013-2015 )
2013 MTV Video Music Awards
2013 MTV Video Music Awards
Gorilla (song)