Planer was present, in character as Neil from The Young Ones (1982), at the recording of Band Aid's legendary single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in November 1984. He is captured in a making-of documentary performing an impromptu acoustic performance of "Rocking All Over The World" with Rick Parfitt from Status Quo, as well as addressing Phil Collins to his face as "Joan".
First job was as a gravedigger.
Formed a band with Anthony Head and Joanna Munroe, playing in wine bars around London.