MTV rounded up the troops to host an awards show to pay homage to something called a "music video" ... something that hasn't been seen on MTV in a very, very long time.
Still, the stars need an excuse to get together and rock out in wild outfits ... and TMZ has the photos of the craziness as it goes down outside the show!
**Be sure to refresh the page for the most recent VMA's looks from the red carpet!**
Get TMZ Breaking News alerts to your inbox