Sharkey performed the song on popular UK music chart television programme Top of the Pops with members of Madness as backing musicians.

[5] Madness members Smyth and Mark Bedford also appeared with Sharkey on UK show Saturday Starship to promote the single and the Zarjazz label.

[7] Upon its release, Paul Bursche of Number One wrote, "It's not a brilliant song but its sheer stomping, foot-tapping brightness almost guarantees Fergy a hit.

"[9] Frank Edmonds of the Bury Free Press gave the song a 9 out of 10 rating and described it as "a bouncy, vibrant single full of brass and all the life and drive which made the Undertones great".

[10] Jim Reid of Record Mirror was less favourable, writing, "A Carl Smythe tune, 'Listen to Your Father' is the 4-4 stomp of early Madness without the winning melody and hook lines.