I started out as a rhythm guitarist because my mate want to play Shads but could only do the tunes. I was able to work out the chords and so our first duo was born. An accident of who could do what.
If all you want to do is play Hank tunes then as long as there are either BTs or guitarists who know the chords then you can do it. But if you want to make Shadows music you need lead, rhythm, bass and drums as a basic quartet. It would be nice if more lead players would familiarise themselves with the other instruments, particularly rhythm where they already have the guitar!