Our Story
Dean Hinton - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
As the principal songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for IDOL MINDS, Dean shapes the band’s musical identity through his versatility and creative vision. Beginning his journey on guitar at age 10, Dean developed a deep connection to rock music that carried him through years of performing in bands from junior high to college and beyond. His broad instrumental range and compositional insight form the foundation of IDOL MINDS’ signature sound—a blend of melodic precision and emotional power refined over decades of collaboration with drummer John Sherman.
John Sherman - Drums & Percussion
John provides the rhythmic backbone of IDOL MINDS, combining technical skill with dynamic musical intuition. His musical path began at age 5 with formal violin study under the Suzuki method, grounding him in tone and discipline before discovering his passion for drums at age 13 after experiencing the energy of a live Foghat performance. From those early days forward, John has performed with Dean through every stage of their musical journey. His driving rhythms and nuanced touch give IDOL MINDS its pulse, bridging the band’s classic influences with a modern rock sensibility.
Our Roots & Sound
IDOL MINDS was founded by lifelong friends Dean Hinton and John Sherman, whose musical partnership began in a junior high stage band and continued through numerous projects across high school, college, and beyond. Over more than four decades, Dean and John have transformed that shared history into a refined creative collaboration built on mutual respect and enduring passion for rock music.
Their latest project, Childish Things, channels the youthful energy and exuberance that first drew them to music, while showcasing the maturity and craftsmanship earned through years of experience. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Duran Duran, Steely Dan, Rush, and U2, IDOL MINDS blends melodic sophistication with driving rhythm to create a sound that is both timeless and distinctively their own.