While every gamer ponders their best excuse for skipping out on family and loved ones for a day filled with games, Microsoft, Activision, Neversoft and Bungie just added new urgency to the task of excuse making by announcing that on Thursday, Nov. 22 (yes, Thanksgiving), Guitar Hero III players can download the Halo theme (MJOLNIR Mix) through Xbox Live Marketplace. And it's free.

The Halo theme, written, composed and performed by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori adds Grammy Award winning guitar hero Steve Vai, who plays guitar on the MJOLNIR Mix.

"It's a real pleasure to hear one of the best loved and most iconic themes from Bungie's Halo Universe in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock," said Marty O'Donnell, Composer and Audio Director for Bungie Studios. "As longtime fans of the Guitar Hero franchise, it was great to collaborate with Neversoft and Activision/RedOctane to offer this exciting free download to our fans."

If you didn't have a lot to be thankful for, the Halo theme for Guitar Hero III is certainly worth consideration.